Maintain Good Communication with the Public, President Jokowi Tells Ministers

Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani shakes hand with Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto before a plenary cabinet meeting on Wednesday (1/2) at the State Palace. (Photo by: JAY/Public Relations Division)

At a plenary cabinet meeting on Wednesday (1/2) at the State Palace, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo told all ministers and head of state institutions to maintain good public communication, (including for example by) visiting villages, pesantren (Islamic schools), campuses, the medias, (and so on). “I have repeatedly said this. I think this is the third time,” the President said.

President Jokowi added that the public should know what the ministers and heads of institutions have been working on all day through good communication.

“We have to be proactive. We have to announce what have been done, what are being done, and what we will do” the President said, adding that all the Government’s hard works, including the barriers and the obstacles, need to be known by the people.

Should there is incorrect news reported in the media, President Jokowi said, the ministers and heads of institutions should also clarify it and give an explanation.

“That way, the public can give inputs. The people will feel they are engaged in the programs that we’ve implemented,” the President added.

President Jokowi also highlighted information circulating from various sources in which every one can become sources and can make their own news, leading to the circulation of inaccurate news and hoaxes.

“We have to respond to them fast. We must not let them spread without a clear explanation,” the President said.

Previously, President Jokowi stressed that the key to the effectiveness of the implementation of the Government’s programs is synergy, coordination, and good consolidation between the Central Government and regional governments.

Therefore, the President has told Coordinating Ministers to ensure that the implementation of programs done by ministries or institutions, the Central Government, and regional governments can be in harmony and synchronized, and most importantly, can also be more efficient.

“I notice, there are still potentials of inefficiency in the (formulation of) budget because every ministry/institution has their own (budget) plans and budget for a similar thing. For example, they budget for IT (infrastructures) procurement of vessels, radars, or aids for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Please pay more attention to this issue,” the President said.

The meeting was also attended by 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. Pandjaitan, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly, Minister of Transportation Budi K. Sumadi, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Ignasius Jonan, Minister of National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) Bambang Brodjonegoro, and Minister of Social Affairs Khofifah Indar Parawansa. (DNA/SM/JAY/ES) (EP/YM/Naster)