Statement from President of the Republic of Indonesia regarding Minister of Social Affairs Named as Suspect by the KPK Sunday, 6 December 2020 at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province

Press:

Any response related to Minister of Social Affairs as (corruption) suspect, Pak?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, we certainly respect all legal processes which are currently underway at the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

I also need to explain that I have reminded all ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet: No Corruption! I have reminded them from the very outset.

And I also keep telling the Cabinet to create a system that gives no access to corruption be it state budget or regional budgets for provinces, regencies and cities.

I repeatedly remind all high-ranking officials, be it ministers, governors, regents, mayors, to be careful in spending the state budget or regional budgets for provinces, regencies and cities. It’s the money of our people! Let alone, this is related to social assistance for handling COVID-19 and restoring the national economic. The people really need that social assistance.

I will not protect those involved in corruption and we all believe that the KPK will work transparently, openly, and professionally. And the Government will continue to support efforts to nip corruption in the bud.

Later I will appoint Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture to carry out the duties of Minister of Social Affairs temporarily.

Translated by Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by Muhardi