Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at Inauguration of Otto Iskandardinata (Otista) Bridge, in Bogor City, West Java Province, December 19, 2023

Reporter
Would you please make a statement about this bridge?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As the Mayor has said before, this bridge, the Otista Bridge has been causing traffic congestion in Bogor, because the road is narrowing on this bridge. For that reason, the bridge is widened. The current bridge, as you can see, is wide enough.

Reporter
How much the budget spent for seven months?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Around Rp50 billion.

Reporter
How about the cultural heritage?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
It is preserved. Earlier, I noticed that the shape of a curved arch is preserved. You may see it yourself.

Okay.

Reporter
I would like to ask about a different issue. The Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) found campaign funding from illegal financing. Do you have any order for that?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Just wait. Any illegal financing that does not comply with regulations must face legal action.

Reporter
What is your order for law enforcers to ensure fair implementation of the upcoming elections after the founding?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Everyone must comply with the regulations.

Reporter
Pretrial hearing ruling for Pak Firli [chief of Indonesia’s anti-graft agency (KPK)] will be conducted today, while ethics hearing will be held tomorrow. Though he is inactive right now, will the removal of the chief wait for the decision of law enforcers?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Everyone must respect the legal process. Everyone must respect the prevailing legal process. Since the process is ongoing, I will not give more comment.

Reporter
How about the Governor of North Maluku who was caught in a sting operation (OTT)?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Also respect the legal process at the KPK.

Reporter
Do you have any comment about your yellow tie that you wore during a working visit to Japan?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
I don’t wear it right now.

Reporter
The Golkar Party has mentioned that [the tie represents that] you are comfortable with the Party, is it true?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
I don’t wear the tie right now.

Reporter
Are you comfortable?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Yes.

That’s it.

Reporter
When will you visit the Nusantara Capital (IKN)? What are your schedules for tomorrow?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
Tomorrow morning, I will commence the groundbreaking of several projects from private sectors, institutions, and the Government. I think everyone is in a good spirit to develop facilities and business zone, health zone, sports zone in the IKN. I will come to commence the groundbreaking, if there are more projects, and give encouragement to others to start the projects.

Reporter
It means this will be the third phase of groundbreaking, correct?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo).
I’m not sure.

(RAS/MMB)