Johan Budi Talks One-on-one With President Jokowi, Asked To Be Spokesperson Again?

JAKARTA - Member of Commission III of the House of Representatives from the PDIP faction, Johan Budi, met with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) at the State Palace. Johan said the closed meeting was a form of friendship.

"Earlier, I was scheduled to meet with the President. Previously, I really wanted to stay in touch, I've also been here before then also wanted to provide information related to what is now my duty in the House of Representatives", Johan told reporters, Wednesday, 1 December.

Johan said that during the meeting he only had a private conversation with President Jokowi. However, he denied being offered any new duties, including returning to his position as spokesman.

After Fadjroel Rachman left as ambassador to a friendly country, the position of presidential spokesman was vacant. Meanwhile, Johan Budi used to occupy that position before finally running for a candidate from the PDIP and was finally elected.

"Oh, no, no, nothing (was offered a new assignment, ed). It has nothing to do with that. Again, some time ago, I communicated to the protocol that I wanted to meet the President. In response, I was accepted today", explained the former spokesman for the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK).

"So don't go anywhere", added Johan.

Regarding the meeting, Johan admitted that he had provided input and the conditions of the current community situation. Johan said he got the picture because he often visited constituents in his constituency.

"Like in my electoral district, how to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic, for example. And I was also from the electoral district some time ago. So, COVID-19 has decreased, people's lives have also started", said Johan.

"So it has nothing to do (with the new position or the position of spokesperson, ed)", he added.

Similarly, Minister of State Secretary, Pratikno, confirmed that there was a one-on-one meeting between President Jokowi and Johan Budi. However, he did not accompany him because he had other work.

The meeting, he said, was also limited to keeping in touch with each other and not discussing other things.

"It's been a long time since we've seen each other. It was supposed to be with me, but I have other work to do", concluded Pratikno.