Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia on Dispatch of Humanitarian Aid for Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, July 8, 2024

Journalist
What is the reason for providing aid to Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Well, they are our brothers and sisters, furthermore, Papua New Guinea is our close neighbor. When a disaster occurs, we must also join hands to provide assistance to relieve [the suffering of] our disaster-affected brothers and sisters in Enga, Papua New Guinea, and also in Afghanistan.

Journalist
Employers say that the six-month maternity leave regulation will actually make companies reconsider the recruitment of women in the future. What is your thought?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I hope it will not happen. After all, we have to respect women and pregnant women, and we hope that all babies are born healthy. So, if one is given maternity leave it is used to prepare for childbirth and nurturing the baby. I think it’s very humane.

Journalist
Mr. President, you’re planning to move your office to the Nusantara Capital (IKN) this July. How is the progress? Will it be realized anytime soon?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Are the water, electricity, and sites ready yet? When everything is ready, I will move.

Journalist
Have you not received a report from the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I have, but I have not.

Journalist
Will the Presidential Decree on capital relocation be completed before August 17, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The Presidential Decree can be done before or after October. We should see the situation on the ground. I don’t want to force something that can’t be done yet. Let us all see the progress on the ground first.

Journalist
Sir, when will you sign the Presidential Decree on the dismissal of the KPU Chair?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The draft hasn’t reached my desk yet. When it has, I will open it and sign it.

Journalist
As soon as possible?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I haven’t received it yet.

Journalist

What is your response to criticism that says the KPU is unfit to be an election organizer after Mr. Hasyim’s case?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

They have successfully organized general elections and presidential election well and smoothly, without any problems.

(GWH/RAS/MMB)