Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection of the 2022 Indo Defence Expo & Forum at Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, November 2, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Good morning, everyone.

Reporter

Good morning, Sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This morning I just inspected the 2022 Indo Defence with the Minister of Defense Prabowo. I think it is good for promotion, especially to promote defense and security equipment products. And the most important thing is, I’ve mentioned it to the Minister, the importance of having cooperation with foreign companies. And, we must keep up with the global development that needs to be responded by our domestic defense industry because we are aware that there is a tendency of defense budget surge in NATO member countries, the Middle Eastern countries, and East Asian countries, as well as the emergence of new military technologies.

And I am happy that the President Director of Defend ID has stated that they have a target to become one of the top 50 defense company in the world. The products that we have now must certainly be developed as well as possible.

That is all.

Reporter

…(inaudible)

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The development is excellent because now we give a big room for the private sector to contribute to developing Indonesia’s defense industry, including by cooperating with foreign defense industry. In my opinion, it is a great development. And the most important thing is that we can adopt as many new technologies in the military sector as possible.

Reporter

Mr. Jokowi, regarding defense, the Indonesian Audit Board (BPK) did an audit on the procurement of the Reserve Component, which is considered a violation to the Law on State Finance because the procurement was carried out before the contract came into force and the budget was available. So, the 2021 Reserve Component became a finding of the BPK. What was the Government’s reason for doing that, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

There are always findings in ministries. The most important thing is to have improvement in administrative procedures. I have also ordered all ministers and not only about that one issue because yesterday I was just informed about the report for the first semester and there are many findings. Improvement must be carried out and they must also convey it all to the BPK.

Reporter

Mr. Jokowi, does this event, does Indo Defence have an investment target? Is there an investment target for Indo Defence event?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, as many as possible. I said that our strategic state-owned enterprises must have as many partnerships as possible with foreign companies so that we can transfer technology, cutting-edge military technology. Yes, is that all?

Reporter

Sir, regarding a minister running for president in 2024, Mr. Prabowo has praised you multiple times for handling COVID-19 and others. Have you given Minister of Defense your support for running in 2024?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, he has intended to do it since the start. What support? Since the start, I have said that I support him.

Reporter

Do you have any advice, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

About what?

Reporter

Regarding Mr. Prabowo. Perhaps you have some advice considering you meet him often, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Well, we exchange views about how Indonesia will move forward. I think I do have dialogues with the Minister of Defense, but not often, not too often.

Reporter

Mr. Jokowi, the Minister of Defense is running for president in 2024. How is the monitoring conducted? Does one of the rulings of the Constitutional Court say that ministers do not have to resign if they run for president?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Duties as a minister must remain their top priority, but if their running disrupt their duties, we will evaluate whether they must take extended leave or not.

Reporter

Sir, what countries have confirmed their attendance at the G20?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The G20, only three have not confirmed. I will call them to confirm their attendance. However, 17-18 countries are attending. That is already so many. In a normal situation, 18 or 17 is already big. It means that in a difficult situation such as this, it is an honor for us to have them coming here.

Reporter

What are the three countries, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Thank you.  (DH/LW)