Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Watching the First Match of the 2024 President’s Cup at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Bandung Regency, West Java Province, July 19, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Here’s the thing: the more competitions [a team participates in], the better. We have competitions in League 1, League 2, along with SSB (Soccer School ), amateur leagues, several tournaments organized by FIFA, AFC, and AFF. The more competitions, the greater it benefits the team. Now I see everything is going well, especially with the President’s Cup. The more competitions there are, the better.

Reporter
The enthusiasm leading up to League 1 is positive, right, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes. Well, there is a break to prepare for League 1.

Reporter
What are your hopes for the future of the President’s Cup, Sir, as presidency nears end?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It will improve even more if there is continuity.

Reporter
Sir, regarding the inauguration of three deputy ministers, some people think it was unnecessary since they will be retiring soon. What is your perspective on this?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The inauguration is intended to facilitate and ensure a smooth continuity in governance. That is it.

Reporter
Sir, what about claims of distributing ministerial positions?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, no, no. I have discussed this matter directly with the relevant government officials. I have spoken with the President-elect Bapak Prabowo Subianto.

Reporter
What was the outcome of your visit to the United Arab Emirates yesterday, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We discussed two main topics during our visit to the United Arab Emirates; though we also discussed other topics, the two are the most important. First, we talked about developing a financial center and how we can model it after the system used in Dubai, specifically the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). We are interested in understanding their recruitment process and how to attract investments to the financial centre. To this end, we signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for cooperation between the Nusantara Capital Authority (OIKN) and DIFC. This partnership aims to help establish and operationalize the financial center in Nusantara Capital as soon as possible.

After the financial centre, the second, topic is regarding the cooperation on nickel, covering the entire supply chain from upstream to downstream. This includes mining, processing into cathodes and precursors, and producing EV batteries and electric vehicles (EVs). This collaboration involves the UAE, Indonesia, and potentially two additional countries that we are currently approaching. If successful, we aim to capture 80 to 85 percent of the global market in this sector. That is our expectation.

Reporter
Sir, the revision of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) Law is currently being discussed at Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs. Civil groups have expressed concerns about the potential issues with this revision. Do you have any response to these concerns?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Try directly asking the House of Representatives (DPR) and Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs for their persepctives.

Reporter
But the democracy index during your last term shows a steady decline, Sir. What is your response to this?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Our democracy is functioning well. The elections were conducted democratically, and people were free to join unions, express their opinions, and join organization without hindrance. We hear criticism of the president every day, with people voicing their opinions and even insulting the president. Criticism is almost constant.

Reporter
Sir, are you scheduled to begin working at IKN in July?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Once we receive the green light and everything is ready, I will start working at IKN.

(RIF/RAS)