Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Commemoration Ceremony of 79th Anniversary of Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), at Silang Monas Field, Special Region of Jakarta Province, October 5, 2024
Journalist:
The public’s enthusiasm is enormous, sir. Do you think it shows the public’s fondness for TNI?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yes, the 79th anniversary of TNI shows the closeness of TNI with the people, and that is a power, a great strength of our country. The unity between the TNI and the people, I think that’s the key point I see.
Journalist:
Are there things that may need improvement in the future, sir, during Prabowo’s administration?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I believe there are many things that need to be evaluated and improved, but I see that the progress has been very good.
Journalist:
Earlier, you praised Prabowo for his success in defense diplomacy on a global scale. Given the escalation of conflicts in the Middle East, what commitments should Indonesia continue?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yes, indeed, if all countries would approach conflicts with soft measures—through dialogue, through meetings, through good communication, I think the conflicts in Palestine, Gaza, and Lebanon could be avoided. I believe dialogue is the only way to resolve the conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, between Israel and Palestine, Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran and Israel. I think these issues need to be resolved at the negotiation table, and everyone must restrain themselves from escalating the situation further.
Journalist:
Will evacuation be carried out, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
That is being handled by the Minister of Foreign Affairs through various ministerial approaches.
Journalist:
Excuse me, sir, regarding the government transition, how is the preparation at the moment?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
It is going smoothly, going well. No problems. The necessary bodies are being prepared before the inauguration, and I think the laws will also be completed. This will ensure a smooth transition and pave the way for the inauguration on October 20.
Journalist:
Have there been any consultations regarding the cabinet, perhaps with Prabowo?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Regarding the cabinet, that is 100 percent the president’s prerogative.
(AS/MMB)