Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after Handover Ceremony of A-1344 Military Aircraft, Fennec Helicopter, and Panther Helicopter, Halim Perdanakusuma Military Airbase, Jakarta, January 24, 2024

Reporter

Would you like to tell us about the handover ceremony, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We have witnessed the delivery of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft. This is a transport aircraft that we ordered several years ago and is very important both for military and non-military purposes. This aircraft can carry 120 soldiers and approximately 20 tons of goods. I think this is very good for a country as big as Indonesia, an archipelagic country with short runways in its airports. The Super Hercules aircraft can land in airports with short runaways, and can fly non-stop for approximately 11 hours.

Reporter

What about the other two recently repaired helicopters, Heli Fennec and Panther?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We have to prepare everything. To support our Frigate vessels, Fennec helicopters are very important.

Reporter

Regarding Mr. Mahfud MD who has stated that he would resign as a Minister, has he said anything to you, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is his right to resign, and I really appreciate his decision.

Reporter

Yesterday you sent a bouquet of flowers to Mrs. Megawati on her birthday, but you didn’t send a flower bouquet to PDIP?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes.

Reporter

Does that mean that you have good relations with Mrs. Mega, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It is Mrs. Megawati’s birthday, so I sent flowers.

Reporter

Yesterday, there was a video showing a convoy of vehicles and there was a hand gesture showing the number of a Presidential candidate, in Salatiga, Central Java. Rumor has it that it was the First Lady.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, it’s fun, it’s fun

Reporter

What do you mean, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

It’s fun to meet the people.

Reporter

There was a concern that during the last debate, Gibran did not show respect. The public has criticized him for being impolite. On the other hand, you have stated before that the candidates should not talk about personal matters during debates.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I will not make any comment. If I make a comment, it will be another debate.

Reporter

There is concern about Cabinet Ministers joining the team of President and Vice President candidates. What is your point of view on this, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

In democracy, they have their own rights. Everyone has political rights, and every Cabinet Minister has the same rights. The President can join the campaign, and the President can show his political preference. Having said that, the most important thing is that we should not use state facilities during political campaigns. We are public officials, and we are also politicians. Cabinet Ministers can also join politics.

Reporter

Inaudible

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes? We should not use state facilities.

Reporter

Would you show your preference [in Presidential election]?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Let me ask you that question.

Reporter

What do you think about the recommendation that Cabinet Ministers should resign before joining a political campaign?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Everything must be based on regulations. If the rules allow it, it means that we can do it. If the rule does not allow it, it means that we should not do it. It is clear that the President is allowed to join campaign and show his preference. To exercise or not exercise those rights is up to every individual.

Reporter

Will you exercise that right, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I am allowed to join the campaign, as long as I do not use state facilities.

Reporter

Will you take that opportunity?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Let’s see.

Reporter

Thank you, sir.

(RI/MMB)