Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) emphasized that the Onward Indonesia Cabinet is not negatively affected by political differences among his ministers amid the 2024 General Election agendas.
According to Jokowi, ministers in the cabinet do have differences in political preferences in relation to the upcoming elections while underlining that the state administration has been running as usual despite their different stances.
"Everything is normal. Different preferences are natural in a democracy. Hence, no need to exaggerate," he remarked after attending a congress of GP Ansor, the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama, one of Indonesia's largest Islamic organizations, in Jakarta on Friday.
Jokowi further noted that the ministerial cabinet remains solid despite Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD having decided to step down from his position. The president affirmed that all ministers continue to work on their tasks as usual.
"The cabinet works normally. No problems arise. All ministers are working, with some conducting visits to regions, just like I have been doing. I had held meetings in Jakarta and other regions. I sometimes receive invitations to attend activities, just like today with GP Ansor," he stressed.
Minister Mahfud MD officially resigned from his position on Thursday (February 1, 2024).
His decision came ahead of the upcoming Indonesian presidential election on February 14, 2024, as he is now running for vice president with Prabowo Subianto. Earlier, coordinator of the presidential special staff Ari Dwipayana emphasized that there have been no mentions of the upcoming election during cabinet meetings.
"I think the atmosphere of the 2024 General Elections is not felt in cabinet meetings," he remarked in Jakarta on January 31.
Baca juga: Jokowi distributes rice aid to thousand beneficiaries in Central Java
Baca juga: Mahfud's exit should not disrupt ministry functions: Jokowi's aide
He noted that before, during, and after meetings, all ministers demonstrated a sense of closeness and ease, regardless of each political party's differences in political views.
"We could see ministers chatting and interacting with each other before meetings. Some of them even shared jokes. The palace served them meals and coffee during their chats," he pointed out.
Dwipayana also dismissed issues regarding tightened security checks for ministers entering meetings.
Jokowi denies rumorsof fragmentation within cabinet
President Joko Widodo delivers statements to journalists after attending the GP Ansor's XVI Congress in Jakarta on Friday (February 2, 2024). ANTARA/Andi Firdaus/aa.
