2-2-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, reassured the public on Friday (Feb 2) that his cabinet was functioning normally despite reports of discontent among his ministers.
Addressing reporters, Jokowi stated, “The cabinet has no problem,” in response to questions about internal unease within his administration. He emphasized that differences of opinion were common and democratic within a cabinet structure.
With presidential and legislative elections scheduled for Feb 14, local media outlets have highlighted instances of discontent within Jokowi’s cabinet. This discontent reportedly stems from public criticism directed at the president, accusing him of political interference and a lack of neutrality due to his perceived support for Prabowo Subianto, a prominent candidate and Jokowi’s defence minister.
Jokowi has defended his right as president to express support for candidates, noting that such endorsements are permissible. Prabowo is running alongside Jokowi’s son as his vice-presidential candidate.
While Jokowi has not explicitly endorsed any of the three candidates, his visible appearances alongside Prabowo have garnered significant attention and scrutiny in the lead-up to the elections.
