Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After Receiving Resignation Letter of the Minister of Agriculture at the Merdeka Palace, DKI Jakarta Province, October 6, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Last night, I received Minister of Agriculture’s resignation letter from Minister of State Secretary. Yes, I have received it and it has been followed up this morning. I have also signed the resignation letter.
Reporter:
Who is going to be the successor, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
The post will be filled in by Ad Interim. The Ad Interim Minister is Mr. Arief Prasetyo, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas).
Reporter:
Why should it be the Head of the National Food Agency, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Say again?
Reporter:
What are the considerations for the Head of the National Food Agency appointed as Ad Interim Minister of Agriculture?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
In order to facilitate coordination among institutions. We usually have coordination among Head of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog), Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of Trade. So, it is just to make consolidation easier, that’s all from me.
Reporter:
Mr. Syahrul Yasin Limpo (SYL) wants to see you, have you met him today, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I have not met him yet, not yet, not yet. Maybe it’s just scheduled, please ask the Minister of State Secretary, Okay?
Reporter:
When will it be definitive, sir? The definitive position of Minister of Agriculture, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
As soon as possible.
Reporter:
Will the successor be also from Nasdem Party or not, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
As soon as possible.
Reporter:
Will not he/she be from Nasdem (Party), Sir? Any other ministers to be replaced, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
As soon as possible.
Reporter:
Sir, there is a case of alleged blackmail by the Corruption Eradication Commission KPK over the Minister of Agriculture, what is your view as President, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I don’t know, you can ask the law enforcement officials, the KPK or the police, okay?
Reporter:
Sir, until now, there is no statement on who the suspect is, the KPK hasn’t announced it yet.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Ask the KPK, how come you ask me.
Reporter:
In your point of view, what should it be like?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Ask the KPK, don’t ask me.
Reporter:
If Mr. SYL wants to meet you, it means you will accept him, right, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Pardon?
Reporter:
Will you accept it if Mr. SYL wants to meet you and has it been scheduled?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
If it’s scheduled, I accept him. I accept anyone.
Reporter:
What do you think you want to convey? Directives…
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
I don’t know, I don’t even meet him yet.
Reporter:
Later, will the Minister of Agriculture remain from the Nasdem Party or another party?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
We will prepare it as soon as possible.
Reporter:
Thank you, Sir.
(RY/MUR)