Indonesia Ranks First in Public Trust, President Asks Press to Cover It

President Jokowi delivers a remarks at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting on Monday (24/7), at the State Palace, Jakarta

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his highest appreciation to all ministries, particularly Ministry of Communication and Informatics, and related institutions for the result of Gallup World Poll (GWP), an internationally credible survey, in which Indonesia ranks first for public trust in the Government.

“This is really important because it is the fundamental of conducting our tasks. We will perform our tasks easier when the Government receives public trust,” President Jokowi said in a Plenary Cabinet Meeting on Monday(24/7), at the State Palace, Jakarta.

According to the President, this kind of chance and momentum should be used to make a decision on any complicated issues, because if the people has trusted their Government, decision making process will be easier. “However, I have to reminded all that communication with the public should continue to be done,” the President reminded.

Based on the results of Gallup World Poll (GWP), Indonesia placed first for public trust in the Government with 80 percent. The figure increased by 28 percent compared to that in 2007 which was only 52 percent.

Indonesian people’s trust to the Government  is ahead of developed countries who join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), for example the United States only reached 30 percent, the United Kingdom 31 percent, Germany 55 percent, and France 28 percent. Indonesia is also ahead of countries who do not join the OECD  (India 73 percent, Brazil 26 percent, South Africa 48 percent).

President Jokowi admitted that he was surprised by the result which placed Indonesia as the top in the ranking, followed by Switzerland, India, Luxemburg, Norway, Canada, Russia, Turkey, New Zealand, and Ireland. “Being the top of the ranking indicates that public trust in Government is really high,” President Jokowi said.

Implicitly, the President insinuated the press that did not cover the news about this, while India which ranked third is reported in all media. “We ranked first, but there is no news that covered it. But, it is okay, this will encourage us to improve,” President Jokowi added.

The President also appreciated the ministries and institutions which deliver effective public services, respond to complaints quickly, and being fast-response in order to protect the people.

In the meantime, President Jokowi also appreciated the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), and the related parties for seizing one tonne of drugs crystal methamphetamine at Mandalika Hotel, Serang, Banten. “This is the largest ever seizure of the drugs and we hope it can be continued so that Indonesia can be free from drugs state of emergency,” President Jokowi said.

Attending the Plenary Cabinet Meeting were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut B. Panjaitan, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Defense Ryamizard Ryacudu, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara, Minister of National Development Planning (PPN)/Head of National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Rini Soemarno, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Industry Airlangga Hartarto, Minister of Agriculture Amran Sulaiman, Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reforms Asman Abnur, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi, Attorney General Prasetyo, Indonesian Defense Forces Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, and Indonesian National Police Chief Tito Karnavian.  (DND/FID/SM/AGG/ES)(RA/MMB/YM/Naster)