Jokowi Goes Abroad During PDIP Anniversary, Ganjar: State Affairs Number One

Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo when he met fishermen and volunteers at the All-Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI) Cilacap Office, Central Java, Tuesday (9/1/2024). ANTARA/Narda Margaretha Sinambela

JAKARTA - Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo said the number one state affairs were related to the absence of President Joko Widodo on the commemoration of the 51st Anniversary of the PDI-P, Wednesday (10/1).

Ganjar admitted that he did not question the news of Jokowi's absence from the PDI-P Anniversary when it came to the interests of the state. The reason is, Jokowi is scheduled to make a state visit to the ASEAN country, Philippines.

"He said he wanted to go to the Philippines?" asked Ganjar after meeting with fishermen and volunteers at the Office of the All-Indonesian Fishermen Association (HNSI) Cilacap, Central Java.

He then said, "If he wants a visit abroad, yes, I think state affairs are number one," said Ganjar as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 9.

Meanwhile, Ganjar ensured that he would attend the PDI-P Anniversary.

"Come, come," said Ganjar.

President Joko Widodo previously admitted that he had not received an invitation to attend the 51st Anniversary of the PDI-P on Wednesday (10/1).

"We haven't received an invitation yet," said Jokowi briefly after inaugurating the Pamulang-Cinere-Raya Bogor Toll Road at the Limo Utama Toll Gate, Depok, West Java, Monday, January 8.

Jokowi said this when answering the media crew's question whether to attend the party's birthday which brought him to be president for the two terms.

Meanwhile, Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said President Jokowi would make a visit abroad to coincide with the celebration of the 51st Anniversary of the PDI-P.

"There are plans for several ASEAN countries, but I will tell you the certainty later," said Ari at the Ministry of State Secretariat building, Jakarta, Friday (5/1).

According to Ari, President Jokowi may not attend the 51st Anniversary of the PDI-P if there is a visit abroad.

The PDI-P Anniversary celebration this time will be held at the Party School, Lenteng Agung, Jakarta, carrying the theme Sityam Eva Jayate, which means the truth will definitely win.