Chatib Basri Appears at the Palace, a Relaxed Response When Asked About the Cabinet

JAKARTA - Former Finance Minister Muhammad Chatib Basri visited the Presidential Palace Complex in Jakarta, Tuesday (9/6), amid speculation about the possibility of him entering the cabinet.

The presence of the senior economist immediately caught the attention of journalists. Moreover, in recent times his name has often been associated with various strategic positions in the field of economics.

Chatib confirmed that he would meet the President in person. However, he was reluctant to explain the agenda of the meeting.

"Yes," Chatib replied briefly when asked if he would meet the President.

When asked about the discussion material, Chatib instead asked the reporter to ask the Chairman of the National Economic Council, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

"Ask Pak Luhut. There are a lot of people," he said.

An interesting response came when a reporter mentioned his name, which was later rumored to be included in the cabinet. Instead of giving a serious answer, the former Minister of Finance under President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono chose to respond in a joking tone.

"I don't know. Be careful falling," he said with a smile.

Chatib also denied his return to Indonesia related to the issue.

"No. It's just being taken care of now," he said.

He explained that the meeting at the Palace was not held face to face. According to him, the meeting took place with a number of other parties.

"Same as Mr. Luhut, together," said Chatib.