Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Opening of the 2023 Inacraft, October 4, 2023

Journalists
Excuse us, Sir. As for Inacraft’s own agenda, are the products proven to be good after being reviewed, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I’m happy that in terms of design and color, there is a very good leap. Even products coming from faraway places like those from Lombok have very good designs and sizes, and there is a big leap. I think they are very good. And, we aim to export as many such products as possible.

Journalists
That means that the remaining task now is just how to attract as many visitors and buyers as possible. Is that right, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, mainly buyers, although local [buyers] are also important.

Journalists
For youthpreneurs, do you have any suggestions about what should they improve in the time to come?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As I’ve said earlier, design and coloring. I think it’s good to use natural colors, not to use chemical ones. I think it’s good.

Journalists
Excuse us, Sir. We’d like to ask about other issues. With regard to your meeting with Mr. SBY (the former President) some time ago at the Bogor Palace, what was the discussion about, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Last Monday? Yes, last Monday afternoon I met him for almost an hour. We held a friendly meeting, discussing especially about 2024. So, what did we discuss? It’s confidential.

Journalists
Is there any discussion about AHY (Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, SBY’s son), Sir? Is AHY joining the coalition?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It’s confidential.

Journalists
Will any Democrat Party’s representatives enter the cabinet, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It’s confidential.

Journalists
What about the Minister of Agriculture, Sir? It is reported that the Minister of Agriculture lost contact …..

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, just wait. After going abroad, he hasn’t arrived yet to Indonesia.

Journalists
It is reported that the Deputy Minister of Agriculture has lost contact.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Who lost contact, who?

Journalists
The Minister of Agriculture, as admitted by the Deputy Minister.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Just try to make contact. Try to make contact. Does anyone have his phone number? Try to make contact. And wait. He hasn’t arrived home yet from abroad.

Journalists
Did he contact you? Do you know about the Minister of Agriculture’s whereabouts?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As for his whereabouts, it is none of the President’s concern. Please, be thoughtful.

(TM/LW)