Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Indonesia’s Economic Outlook, at the Astor Ballroom, ST Hotel. Regis, DKI Jakarta Province, December 22, 2023

Reporter
According to Minister of Finance, oil price is not fluctuating?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Minister of Finance has just attended the meeting with members of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) in Saudi Arabia. According to her, the situation is not a problem for us. It means that our fear of the war in Gaza that could lead to an increase in oil prices won’t happen. Hopefully.

Reporter
Mr. President, has Mr. Firli’s resignation [as Chairperson of the Corruption Eradication Commission) been accepted, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet. It has been submitted to the Minister of State Secretary but I haven’t received the document yet.

Wartawan
The non-government organization Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) requests that the Presidential Decree on Mr. Firli’s resignation be postponed. What is your response, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Everything is still on process. Once again, on process.

Reporter
Tonight presidential candidates will attend the election debate, why do you go to Solo, Sir? Did Mr. Gibran (One of vice president’s candidates) ask for your blessing, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The candidates can attend the debate.

Reporter
Did Mr. Gibran ask for your blessing, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No.

Reporter
Do you have insight for Mr. Gibran?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I never meet him.

Reporter
Maybe, do you have insights for him, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No. The presidential candidates can attend the debate.

Reporter
Where do you watch it, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
At home.

Reporter
In Solo, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It could be Jakarta, Bogor, or Solo.

Reporter
What do you expect from tonight’s election debate, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It is my hope that the debate will be festive.

Reporter
Thank you, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You’re welcome.

(AP/LW)