Ministers Running for Election Must Prioritize Duties, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers press statement after visiting the 2022 Indo Defence Expo & Forum, at the JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/02). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/ Jay)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (11/02) reminded ministers and high-ranking officials running for the upcoming 2024 General Elections to put their tasks and duties first.

The statement was made in responding to Constitutional Court’s ruling, stating that ministers and high-ranking officials in the same level with minister do not have to step down from their positions once they run in elections.

“Duties as the ministers must be prioritized,” President Jokowi told reporters in a press statement after visiting the 2022 Indo Defence Expo & Forum, at the JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta.

The President also underscored he would evaluate performance of the officials should they fail to deliver and if the process towards the election affects their performance, they will be advised to take a long leave.

For the record, the Constitutional Court granted approval for ministries running for elections to keep their jobs as long as they already receive approval from the President and take leaves or inactive position.

The ruling was made based on proposal from the Garuda Party to review Article 170 paragraph (1) of the Elections Law. (FID/UN) (RAS/EP)