Spokesman Luhut Denies His Boss's Presence At The APDESI Silatnas To Mobilize Jokowi's Support For Three Periods: It's Spontaneity

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Lukas

JAKARTA - Spokesperson for the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Menko Marves) Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Jodi Mahardi denied his boss's presence at the National Gathering (Silatnas) of the All-Indonesian Village Government Association (APDESI) on Tuesday, 29 March to mobilize President Joko's support. Widodo (Jokowi) three terms.

Even if the village head gave support for three terms to President Jokowi, said Jodi, it happened because of spontaneity.

"There are no efforts or the role of Coordinating Minister Luhut to vote for an extension or three terms. This is all participant's spontaneity," Jodi told reporters in a written statement quoted on Saturday, April 2.

Jodi assessed that dozens of regional heads were happy to see Jokowi's performance as president. Therefore, it is natural for support to appear spontaneously.

In addition, these village heads are tired of seeing the political elite meet each other to discuss the issue.

"Maybe they are happy to see the president and tired of seeing political elites visiting each other's offices in the media," he said.

Furthermore, Jodi said that accusing Luhut of mobilizing to APDESI is tantamount to insulting the sincere intentions of the village heads. Because, they actually just want their aspirations to be heard by the head of state.

"Perhaps the accusers should go down to the village. Or maybe the information from their cadres in the village did not reach the elites," said Jodi.

As previously reported, APDESI expressed its support for President Jokowi to return to office for the third time in 2024. This support was conveyed when Jokowi attended the opening of the Apdesi national gathering at Istora Senayan, Jakarta.

At that time, Jokowi was present with a number of his ministers. Including Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan who had a chance to talk with village heads. Furthermore, APDESI will make a declaration of their support. The plan, this will be done after Eid this year.