Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia On Commemoration of the 78th Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Anniversary At Monas Square, Jakarta, October 5, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Solemn, but also very festive. We can show our defense equipment in the army, the navy and the air force to the guests and the public. I think the defile was excellent in showing Indonesia’s military power.

Press
You also sent a message that the budget for purchasing defense equipment must be adjusted and calculated wisely.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, there must be a priority scale. Defense equipment is important, but there is something more important. Are we going to war? No. So which one should come first in the priority scale?

Press
How about the quality of our defense equipment, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

You can see it for yourself. You can judge for yourself what was shown earlier. It’s very complete even though it’s only a small part, it already shows more or less how our strength is like. Indeed, there is still a lot that we need to improve, evaluate, but in general I think…

Press
Regarding the TNI Commander, is there a name for the TNI Commander? Is there a change in Commander in Chief?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Still in process.

Press
But before the election, do you think it is necessary to extend the term of office?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Still under way.

Press
Still under consideration? What process are you in, Sir? Regulatory process or anything?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Everything surely needs process.

Press
Sir, what about TNI’s neutrality? What is your response to the neutrality of the TNI now?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
From the beginning, the TNI, Polri, state apparatus are used to be neutral.

Press
Regarding Minister of Agriculture, he wants to meet you today at the Palace at 1 o’clock.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I don’t know.

Press
He said he wants to meet you?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I don’t know yet, please ask Minister of State Secretary.

Press
But have you communicated, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet.

Press
Have you communicated, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet.

Press
Did you know last night Minister of Agriculture had arrived?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, Minister of State Secretary told me this morning.

Press
Rumor has it that Minister of Agriculture will resign. From you point of view, will he resign?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Don’t assume.

Press
Sir, regarding your name being proposed as Chairperson of the PDIP (the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle), what is your response, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I want to retire and go back to Solo.

Press
That means there are no plans to enter politics after retirement, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
There are many young people.

Press
Who are the young ones? Gibran?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Puan, Prananda.

Press:
How about Gibran?

Press:
Thank you, Sir.

(EST/EP)