President Jokowi Hosts Lunch Meeting, Bids Farewell to Indonesia Onward Cabinet

President Joko Widodo hosts a lunch meeting ahead of his retirement from the presidency on October 20, at the State Palace in Jakarta, Friday (10/18). (Photo by: Bureau of Press, Media, and Information (BPMI) of the Presidential Secretariat/Vico)

The State Palace in Jakarta on Friday afternoon (10/18) witnessed an important moment when President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo hosted a lunch meeting ahead of his retirement from the presidency on October 20. This event was attended by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, a number of leaders of high state institutions, Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, deputy ministers, members of the Presidential Advisory Council, and a number of state agency heads.

A warm atmosphere surrounded the meeting which was also enlivened with relaxed dialogues and laughters. The event began with remarks delivered by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno who gave a respectful introduction.

“Welcome to the State Palace in this group lunch event. The meeting agenda will be given out later by Mr. President,” said Pratikno.

After the brief remarks, the lunch began, in which buffet meals were provided, consisting of a variety of typical Indonesian menus, ranging from soto bangkong (a kind of chicken soup), asinan (a mixed vegetable salad with vinegar sauce), seasoned steamed rice, roasted goat, pempek (a kind of fish cake), to chicken noodles.

The ministers and invited guests were welcomed to take food at the prepared stands, creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. At the main table, President Jokowi sat with Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

The moment became even warmer when in the middle of the event, President Jokowi moved from table to table to approach the ministers. He was seen having a warm conversation with several of them, establishing friendly communication full of laughter. The ministers also seemed to enjoy the moment. They relaxed while chatting, occasionally laughing with their cabinet colleagues.

At the end of the lunch meeting, President Jokowi delivered his remarks. He began by recalling the 10-year journey of his administration in which there were many important moments and dynamics that they had gone through together.

“We have gone through many events together. We have discussed, debated, and addressed many challenges in cabinet meetings, limited meetings, and internal meetings,” said the President.

President Jokowi also expressed his deepest gratitude for the support and hard work of his entire cabinet over the past decade. He expressed his hope that all they have done together can be beneficial for the nation and the state.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your support and your hard work for this country. And I hope that what we have done in the past 10 years will be beneficial for our beloved people, country, and nation,” said the President.

No less importantly, President Jokowi expressed his congratulations to the President-elect Prabowo Subianto and his new cabinet. President Jokowi also apologized to all his staff for all of his shortcomings during their interaction and cooperation.

“I will go home to Solo on Sunday afternoon. If you want to go to Yogya via the toll road, you can also visit Solo via the same route. If you want to go to Surabaya via the toll road and you have to pass by Solo, please take the opportunity if you want to visit my house. Once again, please accept my apologies,” said the President.

This lunch meeting was not only a formal one, but also served as a moment of intimacy and warm farewell between President Jokowi and all the staff of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat/ABD) (TM/LW)