Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Release of Second Batch of Humanitarian Aid for Palestine, at Halim Perdanakusuma Indonesian Air Force Base, Jakarta Special Capital Region, November 20, 2023

Journalists
How was your meeting with President Biden, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, I think, I met with President Joe Biden at the White House, and after that we also met again in San Francisco at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting). In both places I stated directly the importance of stopping the atrocities in Gaza. Secondly, a ceasefire must be implemented immediately. Thirdly, the war must be stopped immediately. And fourthly, it must be made easier for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. That is what I stated at the White House, and at the APEC I also stated that firmly.

Journalists
How did President Biden react, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
He did not respond.

Journalists
What do you mean by not responding, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, that means maybe it’s still being considered, subject to consideration. I think what we have discussed must be recorded. I am sure that it must be recorded.

Journalists
After that, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will go to China, Sir, right?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Retno Marsudi, has also been going around because we serve as one of the delegates from the OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) trusted to communicate the results of what we have discussed in Saudi Arabia.

Journalists
Sir, yesterday we also discussed investment in the new capital city of Nusantara (IKN). How is its development? Regarding offers to foreign investors for investing in IKN, how is the development?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, in all countries we communicate the progress of IKN, what investments are open there and many are interested, but up to now more than 300 LOIs [Letters of Intent] have been signed. I think it will continue to increase every day, but up to now, there is nothing real which have been started yet. But with such a big pile of LOIs, isn’t there just one which is being realized? I think there will be a lot, we just prioritize domestic investors first.

Journalists
If one-state solution is reached, will the Indonesian government invite negotiations with Israel, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s also what I stated at the White House and the APEC.

Journalists
Thank you, Sir.

(TM/LW)