Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Inauguration of the Djuanda Flyover, Callender Hamilton Bridge, and Regional Road Instruction Projects in E. Java Province, September 6, 2024
Journalist:
Yesterday, during Pope Francis’s visit, was there any specific discussion about peace in Palestine?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yes, yesterday with the Pope, we talked a lot about matters related to world peace. The importance of a two-state solution was mentioned as a way to resolve the conflict in Gaza, in Palestine.
Also, when I shared that in Indonesia, some families have three to four children, he was quite surprised. He mentioned during our tête-à-tête that in many countries today, people are no longer interested in having children, and he greatly appreciated and respected this.
Journalist:
Sir, regarding civil servants moving to the new capital (IKN) this September, what are the challenges?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Well, it depends on whether the facilities are ready or not. Some are already prepared, but others are not yet. I think we will move only when everything is truly ready, and that applies to me as well. Moving should happen only when all aspects are fully ready. However, we are constantly visiting the area, for three or four days at a time, to keep consolidating with the Head of the IKN Authority to ensure that what we have planned meets the set targets. This is a major task. The IKN is a very large project, so it’s not as easy as we imagine, just moving right away. It involves ensuring whether the housing is ready, whether the apartments are ready. If the apartments are ready, is the water ready? Is the electricity ready? Everything needs to be… We are building a large ecosystem, where we hope that the interactions among the residents living in IKN will truly form a vibrant community, both economically, socially, culturally, and in other aspects.
Journalist:
Do you have estimation when it will happen, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
For those kinds of technical details, you can ask the Head of the IKN Authority, Pak Basuki, who is here with me.
Journalist:
Sir, has there been a replacement for Bu Risma yet?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I have already signed the decision for her resignation, but the replacement will be announced shortly.
Journalist:
Has Pak Pramono resigned, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
He has, but I haven’t signed it yet.
Journalist:
Does that mean there will be a reshuffle soon?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yes, it’s possible.
Journalist:
Sir, Pak Faisal Basri passed away, and he was often critical of the government. What are your thoughts on this? Do you have any condolences?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Innalillahi wa innailaihi rajiun, on behalf of myself and all Indonesian citizens, I express our deepest condolences for the passing of Pak Faisal Basri. He was a critical economist, detailed in presenting field data, and able to critique government policies that were not good. I think that was very valuable. Thank you. (AS/LW)