Jokowi Orders His Ministers To Stop Discussing Election Postponement, Moeldoko: It's Firm, No More Fried Ingredients

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko asked that the issue of postponing the 2024 General Election (Pemilu) should no longer be a political fry. Moreover, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has explicitly asked his ministers to stop talking about this.

"Don't have polemics about a three-term position, just extend it. The president has said that firmly. Don't be a fried food that isn't good (quality, ed)," Moeldoko told reporters in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 6.

Moeldoko said the government was currently focused on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts. In addition, there are a number of other issues that will also be addressed, including the scenario for dealing with the Ukraine-Russia war.

Therefore, he asked that there should be no more issues related to the postponement of the 2024 election or the addition of the presidential term.

"Don't go round and round, this nation is talking about unproductive things like this. Talking about extensions, talking about three terms. The president has made it clear that it's a policy. What else is there to say is still being debated," he stressed.

"I remind you once again that is enough. There is no need for polemics about this. The government has never discussed it," added the former TNI Commander.

Previously reported, President Jokowi ordered his ministers to focus on work. They were asked to stop talking about postponing the election or extending the presidential term.

"Don't cause polemics in the community. Focus on working in dealing with the difficulties we face," said Jokowi when opening the Plenary Cabinet Session which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube on Wednesday, April 6.

"Don't let anyone say anything about delays, extensions. No," he said.

He reminded his ministers to have a sensitive attitude or sense of crisis to the difficulties experienced by society today. According to Jokowi, it is more important for his ministers to explain to the public regarding the difficult global situation.

"Convey the language of the people and the steps that have been taken by the government in dealing with the crisis and rising inflation," said Jokowi.