Jokowi's Reaction When Knowing Moeldoko Become A Democrat Chairperson, Mahfud: The President's Impression Is Happy

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (Irfan Meidianto / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, revealed the reaction of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) regarding the Extraordinary Congress (KLB) of the Democratic Party which coup Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY) 's leadership in the Democratic Party.

Mahfud said, initially President Jokowi seemed surprised because the names of his subordinates were dragged into the attempt to take over the leadership of the party bearing the Mercy star logo.

However, he said, Jokowi seemed relaxed about the news that the President's Chief of Staff, Moeldoko, had become the new chairman of the Democratic Party.

"If I look at the impression of the president, just be happy. He was really shocked when he found out that Sir Moeldoko was involved, but he did not (make an issue)", Mahfud was quoted as saying on YouTube's Najwa Shihab broadcast, Thursday, March 11.

Mahfud admitted that he once asked President Jokowi about Moeldoko's involvement in the KLB on Monday, March 1. However, Jokowi answered that he did not know about that.

"On Monday I met Sir Jokowi, I asked him how, 'wow, I don't really know that", said Mahfud imitating Jokowi's words.

Mahfud MD also admitted to meeting Moeldoko the day before the Deli Serdang KLB event was held, Thursday, March 4. He said Moeldoko did not discuss anything about his involvement in the agenda.

"At that time we chatted normally, Sir Moeldoko did not tell us anything about an outbreak the next day", said Mahfud.

However, Mahfud was reluctant to respond to the sentiment of Moeldoko's involvement which could drag the president's name. According to him, a person's position within the palace is the prerogative of the president.

"It's up to Sir Jokowi, sometimes he smiles, he silences but acting suddenly, right?", Mahfud explained.