Statement of President of the Republic Indonesia at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, October 7, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This afternoon I was invited by Samawi. This morning I was also invited by the volunteers. I accepted the invitation. When time permits, if someone invites me, God willing, I will accept the invitation.
Reporter
What are the results of the deliberation submitted to you?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I haven’t read the result, you may ask them.
Reporter
Is Mas Kaesang following your agenda today?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Pardon?
Reporter
Did Mas Kaesang attend the event?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No, no, no. Which agenda?
Reporter
This morning he attended the same event.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I didn’t meet him.
Reporter
You didn’t meet him?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
No.
Reporter
Are you going to meet the Minister of Agriculture tomorrow, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Pardon?
Reporter
Are you going to meet the Minister of Agriculture tomorrow night, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The schedule is set by Ministry of State Secretariat. Right, it’s probably tomorrow night.
Reporter
Tomorrow night at the Merdeka Palace, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Right.
Reporter
What is your opinion regarding the aspiration for suspending the leaders of the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission) regarding the case at Ministry of Agriculture?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I don’t know the problem in detail, and I haven’t received the detailed information. The issue is still unclear, so I will be cautious. I am still looking for information regarding this case. This is the domain of law enforcement agencies, and I will avoid any perception that I make intervention in this case. I am waiting for detailed information regarding this case. This is the authority of the Police, Corruption Eradication Commission and the Prosecutor’s Office.
Reporter
Regarding forest fires, there was a complaint from Malaysia and Singapore about change in the air quality.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The air temperature is higher than normal and a long dry season has the potential to exacerbate forest fires in several regions. Forest fires occur not only in Indonesia, but also in America and Canada. Our existing measures are better. We can handle it well. If we compare the situation with the forest fires in 2015, the current situation is much better. The wind spread the haze to several regions. I have ordered Commander of the TNI, Chief of the Police, and regional government officials to immediately address the forest fires and prevent the fires from spreading to other regions.
Reporter
Thank you, sir.
(RI/MMB)