Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia After the Release of Humanitarian Aid for Palestine and Sudan At Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport, Jakarta, April 3, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This aid is in accordance with the request from the government of Egypt and the government of Sudan. Why Egypt? Because currently there are so many refugees in Egypt who need large amounts of aid.

Reporter

So it’s for the Palestinian refugees, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, it’s for the Palestinian refugees in Egypt.

Reporter

Is this the direct aid to Palestine or there’s another one sent to Gaza, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, several weeks ago we have also airdropped our aid over Gaza. But this one is sent to Egypt, for our Palestinian brothers and sisters evacuating there.

Reporter

Will there be more aids, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I believe we all want to end the war soon. When it’s over, the aid doesn’t need to be given continuously.

Reporter

Another topic, Sir? Constitutional Court will summon some ministers, like Mr. Muhadjir and the Finance Minister, to testify at the court this Friday. Any comment, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

All of them will be there as they are summoned by the Constitutional Court. They will attend, they will be there on Friday.

Reporter

Any instruction, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I ask them to explain about the policies they have made in each institution. Finance Minister will explain about budgeting; Minister of Social Affairs will talk about social assistance. They will explain everything, just wait and see on Friday.

Reporter

(inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have no comment on anything related to Constitutional Court.

Reporter

Any travel plans on Eid, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I’ll be in Indonesia on Eid.

Reporter

When will the inauguration of Air Force Chief take place, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

On Friday.

Reporter

Mr. President, (inaudible)… that a high-speed rail will be built to connect Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia in the Nusantara Capital. Is there any communication made to the Government?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Not yet, but I have been informed that it’s already planned for quite a long time.

Reporter

Sir, Mr. Hasto said that you wanted to take over the chairmanship of PDIP (the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle) several months ago?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

As a chairman?

Reporter

General Chairman, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

They say it’s Golkar instead.

Reporter

Yes, sir. But you are a member of PDIP.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

People also say that I want to take over Golkar. How can I take over all parties? Don’t be like that, no.

Reporter

About the price increase of cost of goods sold of paddy grain, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It’s still being calculated. I believe it’ll be finished by tomorrow or Friday.

Reporter

Medical independence, Sir. You mentioned that the sent aids include medicine. Regarding the medical independence, is there any plan that Fitofarmaka will be included in the Nusantara Capital National Formulary?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Please wait and see it in the Government Regulation, it will all be clear there. Just wait and see for it.

Reporter

Indonesia still has arrears, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, arrears, but when the audit is over, it’ll be settled, paid. You have to understand the process. It’s not as simple as we pay after receiving the bill. We have to audit the billing, then we can pay after it’s completed. That’s the mechanism.

(AY/LW)