Jokowi Arrives, More Homework for Ministers

Liputan6.com, Jakarta President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is expected to hold a plenary session for the cabinet to discuss a number of important matters. This includes a thorough planning on infrastructure development and fossil fuel (BBM).

The meeting with the Cabinet will take place at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (11/17/2014) at approximately 13:00 pm. Members of the working Cabinet will also attend the session to further discuss the progress of the already implemented Indonesia Smart Card Program (KIP), Indonesia Health Card Program (KIS) and Indonesia Family Welfare Card.

On this session, The President will also try to re-evaluate and give directions for the Cabinet to follow-up from his recent visitation abroad to China, Myanmar and Australia in attending APEC, ASEAN and G20 Summit. President Joko Widodo plans to share information to his Cabinet members about what ought to be done as the result of both bilateral and collective meetings between The President and other countries leaders.

The Cabinet’s Secretary Andi Widjajanto said the President has requested all ministers to follow up to each head of state who has done both bilateral and collective meetings with President Joko Widodo. This is done to show Indonesia’s willingness to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and the involving countries and for future partnership establishment in many sectors to become legitimate.

“It is clear that on Monday (11/17/2014), The President will hold a plenary session as to give each Minister and his/her Cabinet members a homework they ought to follow up as results of the President’s recent trip”, Andi told reporters as he accompanied President Joko Widodo to the Port of Brisbane, Australia yesterday.

President’s overseas visits last week have proven to be beneficial as he was able to undergo a number of bilateral talks with many world leaders including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Turkey Prime Minister Ahmet Dayutoglu.  From these bilateral discussions, the President was able to put forward Indonesia’s interest for partnership in several aspects.

“It is safe to assume that President accomplished all meeting plan. He met with every leader like as we planned back in Jakarta. Fortunately, he was also able to hold bilateral talks with a number of leaders that are not previously on the list planned by The President and the Cabinet. That is, he was able to hold bilateral talks with Italian Prime Minister as well as Turkey Prime Minister during the G-20 and met with India Prime Minister and UN Secretary General during the ASEAN Summit even though these were all unplanned”, said the Cabinet’s secretary.

The issue discussed during the bilateral meeting with the Italian Prime minister mostly focused on the area of creative economy. This takes Milan Fashion Industry into account as it is the fashion centre of the world. The Prime Minister expects Jokowi’s increased awareness of continually innovating creative industry and hope that Indonesia can work together in the future in this field. Meanwhile, the President’s meeting with Turkish Prime Minister was filled with discussions about opportunities for cooperation in various aspects between the two countries. (Ein)