Jokowi Apologizes, Kaesang: A President Is Also Definitely Not Perfect

Chairman of the Indonesian Solidarity Party Kaesang Pangarep answered reporters in South Jakarta, Friday (2/8/2024). (ANTARA/Fath Putra Mulya)

JAKARTA - PSI General Chair, Kaesang Pangarep, assessed President Joko Widodo (Jokowi)'s apology for his mistake in carrying out his mandate as President of Indonesia, which was expressed during the Dhikr and National Prayer at the Merdeka Palace courtyard, Jakarta is a natural thing.

According to President Jokowi's youngest son, the apology is solely as a president who may in his leadership for the past 10 years be imperfect, not for fear of losing supporters.

"I think that as a president, it must also be imperfect, no living thing in this world is perfect, someone must make a mistake," said Kaesang, Friday, August 2.

Moreover, continued Kaesang, Jokowi will end his term of office in October.

"So I think it's a human thing to apologize to the Indonesian people that they have retired," he said.

Previously, the Deputy Chairperson of the PKB, Jazilul Fawaid, also commented on President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) who apologized ahead of his term of office which will end in October.

However, according to him, the most important thing is Jokowi's accountability report (LPJ) during his time as president of the Republic of Indonesia.

"It is natural to apologize and of course the Indonesian people apologize. But as the president, there are reports and accountabilitys to the Indonesian people regarding their promises, regarding the trust they have carried out, regarding the mandate, where has it arrived," said Jazilul at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Friday, August 2nd.

According to the Deputy Chairperson of the MPR, the public must hope that there will be evidence of the implementation of Jokowi's promise during the campaign as a presidential candidate. Moreover, said Jazilul, the president is also the same as other state officials, namely getting a salary.

"So I personally apologize, I am sure that the Indonesian people will forgive, but as the president, there is a place to apologize and be responsible," said Jazilul.

Jazilul also considered it natural for the president to get input, suggestions, and even criticism from the public. Because the position of president is given by the public through elections.

The East Java electoral district legislator also assessed that Jokowi had to improve a lot at the end of his term of office. For example, promises of economic growth that have not been fulfilled, then promises to uphold democracy.

"There are those who still haven't felt that satisfaction (democracy, ed), including the promise to move the capital, haven't they? So there are still many," said Jazilul.