Insinuating Officials Hooked on Foreign Affairs, Jokowi: Exhibited on Instagram

President Jokowi/PHOTO via Instagram @jokowi

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said he was surprised by the behavior of officials who like to travel abroad. In fact, their visits are often exhibited on social media. In fact, the world is currently experiencing an economic crisis.

This was stated by Jokowi at the Presidential Briefing event to all Ministers/Heads of Institutions, Regional Heads, Regional Military Commanders, and Regional Police Chiefs in Jakarta.

"Why in this global crisis, people are flocking abroad, showing off on Instagram, let alone officials", said Jokowi, Thursday, September 29.

In fact, Jokowi emphasized that Indonesia has a variety of tourist destinations that are no less attractive than abroad. Among them are Bali, Labuan Bajo, Wakatobi, Toba, Raja Ampat, Bromo, Yogyakarta, Bangka Belitung, Jakarta, and other areas.

Jokowi admitted that he often received invitations to visit abroad. In one year, Jokowi can get more than 20 invitations. However, he decided to limit his presence.

"I came (to abroad) at least two or three. I really put the brakes on. This has a concrete benefit, doesn't it, doesn't it? Because our money also comes out when it comes out", said Jokowi.

Therefore, Jokowi ordered all officials to exercise restraint by reducing the intensity of traveling abroad. "So things like that, brake! We also inform the people. Use it for domestic tourism only", he said.

Jokowi also asked all his subordinates, ministries, institutions, and local governments to promote tourism in the country. Because, according to him, if more people travel abroad, it will reduce foreign exchange.

"Invite our community, we can make this deficit, this is our tour. Not many have come here, many have come out. Be careful, our division runs again if we don't brake. Be careful. Once again, please invite the community, Mr. Governor, Mr. Regent, and Mr. Mayor, to invite the public to travel within the country only. Do you agree?", he added.