Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection of Menteng Pulo Market at Menteng Pulo Market, South Jakarta Administrative City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, June 15, 2023

Journalist

What is the result of the market inspection, Sir? What is the market price situation?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I wanted to look into the price situation, especially related to inflation following Eid al-Fitr. We noticed that the price of shallots increased to Rp44,000-45,000 from only Rp32,000-34,000. That is all.

Journalist

What about the supply of rice and other necessities?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There is no problem with rice. Medium-grade rice is sold at Rp9,000 and Rp9,500. I was surprised to know that there is rice that costs Rp9,000. I suppose it is good. Oil price remains at Rp14,000. Egg price lowered to Rp31,000.

Journalist

Excuse me, Sir. What is your opinion about the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the system of general elections? Because the ruling will be issued today.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Just wait until the Constitutional Court issues the ruling because every party, every individual may have a different opinion. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. The closed-list system has advantages and disadvantages, so does the open-list system.

Journalist

You met the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court at Jakarta Fair. Did you have coffee together or did you have a discussion about it?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Coffee. There were many people. How come we discussed about it? No, I have never meddled in that kind of affairs. We have never done it.

Journalist

What is your personal preference of the two choices? Which do you think is the best for the people, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is up to the constitution. It is up to the ruling.

Journalist

We have implemented the open proportional electoral system. What if the Constitutional Court decides [to change it to] the closed-list system?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It has not even been announced. Why do you ask what if?

Journalist

There is news that the Minister of Agriculture is involved in a case. There is a case being investigated by the Corruption Eradication Commission and several sources mentioned that he will be a suspect?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Ask them. Ask them instead.

Journalist

But what did you order the minister to do, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have told them several times to be careful in managing the state’s finance because the amount managed by every ministry is huge. It must be monitored. It must be controlled. It must be checked. I have stated it multiple times. It does not matter how small the amount of money is.

Journalist

Is the case of Minister of Agriculture related to political affairs?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Whose affair is that? If it is the affair of law enforcers, ask the law enforcers. Do not ask me.

Journalist

Excuse me, Sir. There is news that the Prime Minister of the Netherlands has recognized August 17, 1945 as our Independence Day. What is the Government’s opinion?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is good, but we will see. I will ask for advice from Minister of Foreign Affairs because it has a wide impact.

Journalist

Sir, Mr. Luhut mentioned that there are foreign overseers in [the construction of] Nusantara Capital. Are you aware of that?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Of what?

Journalist

Foreign overseers in Nusantara Capital for the construction of the State Capital.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

What overseers?

Journalist

Foremen, Sir. For the development of the State Capital.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Foremen and overseers are different. It has indeed been proposed in a meeting. If there are only one or two… for the sake of the result quality. What if the quality is bad? If there are only one or two who can direct, control, and supervise [workers] so that the quality is good, why not?

(DH/MMB)