Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Following the Inauguration of the Indonesia Office of FIBA at Danareksa Tower, Special Region of Jakarta, September 17, 2024

Reporter

Sir, regarding the market share of Sharia finance, it has reached 11 percent in your era, hasn’t it?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, this is a great potential, a great opportunity because the Muslim population in our country is 236 million. For that reason, this huge market must not be taken by other countries. I suppose we must thoroughly examine the great potential of the Sharia economy, be it related to the Sharia industry ecosystem, the Sharia economic ecosystem, support for Muslim fashion, [support for] halal trades, the halal food and beverages industry, or halal tourism. In my view, the platform for this sector will greatly boost the development of our Sharia economy, including Sharia banking.

Reporter

Sir, with regard to the chaos in the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Kadin is in chaos. It is divided. Will you solve the problem there, sir, as you did during the 2022 Kadin Chairperson election?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

For ten years of my term of service, I have been close with Kadin. I attended its events more than once or twice when it was led by Mr. Suryo Bambang, Mr. Rosan Roeslani, and Mr. Arsjad. I am on good terms with them and with Mr. Anin as well. This is not a political organization; it is an organization of businesspeople, so I ask that Kadin solve the issue internally. Do not put the burden on me.

Reporter

Mr. Anin would like to see you, so would Mr. Arsjad Rasjid, sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I am open with anyone who wishes to meet me. I have no problem. However, once again, Kadin should solve its issue internally and not put the burden on the President. That is all I ask.

Reporter

I heard yesterday Mr. Arsjad sent you a letter?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have not received it. It is not on my desk yet.

Reporter

Sir, what about the National Sports Week chaos? Yesterday, some athletes uploaded [posts] about food, the food with coconut milk. There was also an issue about football, sir.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Check the committee. Ask the Minister of Youth and Sports.

Reporter

But will the Ministry of Youth and Sports be evaluated?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Everything related to government events is always evaluated. If corrections are needed, they will be made for future improvement. I suppose there must be corrections for big events. There must be improvement, be it regarding venues, catering, or accommodation. There must be something we need to improve.

Reporter

Sir, what about the lifting of the ban on sea sand export after 20 years?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Once again, it is not sea sand. We allow exports of sediments, sediments that block the routes of ships. Once again, not sea sand. Sand is different from sediment although sediment looks like sand. Read, it says sediment.

(DH/MMB)