Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the 16th Congress of Ansor Youth Movement, in Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta City, February 2, 2024
Journalist:
How was the event today?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
This is the 16th congress of Ansor Youth Movement (GP Ansor). May the event run well. I think it was unique. The congress was held on a boat heading from Jakarta to Semarang city.
Journalist:
What about the issue related to Mahfud?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Yesterday, he tendered his resignation letter to me and today we will prepare the presidential decree.
Journalist:
Do you perceive Pak Mahfud’s decision as normal and in accordance with the rules?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
It is usual in …
Journalist:
Who is the acting minister, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Not yet [decided]. It is still … it just happened yesterday afternoon. Give us a day, or two, or three.
Journalist:
From professionals or a political party?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Not yet. Give us a day or two, or three. It just happened yesterday afternoon.
Journalist:
Minister ad interim or definite minister, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo:
We will see.
Journalist:
Many people link the resignation of Pak Mahfud with the solidity of your cabinet.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
The cabinet works normally.
Journalist:
Still solid, Sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
It is normal. No problems. They work as usual or pay a working visit to the regions. That applies to me as well. Sometimes I have a meeting in Jakarta. Sometimes I pay a working visit to the regions. Sometimes I have an invitation. Like today, I attended the 16th Congress of GP Ansor.
Journalist:
So, it is not true when some people say that it has been uneasy?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
It is normal – different votes mean democracy so it is not a big deal.
Journalist:
Sir, related to the social aid which has been distributed this February?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
That is first. We know that the rice price is increasing in all countries, not only in Indonesia. We also want to improve the purchasing power of the underprivileged people, and it has been done, for instance, rice aid, it has been distributed since September. Direct Cash Assistance is distributed due to the El Niño, the long dry season. So, it is necessary to improve people’s purchasing power.
Journalist:
What do you think when some people said that it is politized?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Oh, it has been done long ago. The food aid has been distributed since September.
Journalist:
A number of universities in Indonesia criticize your governance?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo):
Well, it is democratic rights. Everyone can speak, has their opinions. Go ahead.
(AW/EP)