Introduction of New Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, 22 December 2020, at the Veranda of Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greeting of virtue.

Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow countrypersons,

On this auspicious occasion, Vice President and I would like to announce new ministers in the Indonesia Onward Cabinet.

I will introduce the ministers one by one.

First, Tri Rismaharini, Mayor of Surabaya, will be given responsibilities as Minister of Social Affairs.

Second, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno. He previously served as Deputy Governor of Jakarta and Chairperson of HIPMI (Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association). He will lead Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Third, Budi Gunadi Sadikin. He was President Director of state-owned bank Bank Mandiri, President Director of state-owned mining holding company PT Asahan Alumunium, and Deputy Minister of State-owned Enterprises. Now, he will lead Ministry of Health.

Fourth, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, a religious figure, Chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama’s (NU) Youth Wing Organization (GP Ansor), will be given responsibilities as Minister of Religious Affairs.

Fifth, Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, who is currently serving as Deputy Minister of Defense, will be given responsibilities as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

The last one is Muhammad Lutfi. He formerly served as Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Minister of Trade, Indonesian Ambassador to Japan, and is currently serving as Indonesian Ambassador to the United States. He is given responsibilities to lead Ministry of Trade.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place tomorrow morning.

That concludes my statement.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RAS/LW)