1 Hour Is Enough For Jokowi To Be Sure That Zulkifli Hasan Is Suitable To Replace M Lutfi As Minister Of Trade

Photo via Antara

JAKARTA - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, admitted that he had discussed with President Joko Widodo for an hour at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday night (14/6). That's where he was given the task of being the minister of commerce.

"Last night at 6 (18.00 WIB) afternoon (got news). I was asked to come here at 7 (19.00 WIB) so I came at 7 o'clock. The President gave me a task, and the discussion lasted until 8 (20.00 WIB)," said Zulkifli after his inauguration as trade minister at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday 15 June.

Zulkifli is no stranger to the ministerial seat. During the Susilo Yudhoyono administration (2009-2014), he became minister of forestry replacing MS Kaban. After that, Hasan became the general chairman of the PAN DPP until now.

Now, one of the most striking issues related to the Ministry of Trade that has caught the attention and emotions of the public is regarding the price and distribution of cooking oil made from palm oil, considering that Indonesia is the country with the largest area of oil palm plantations in the world.

About the things he discussed with Jokowi, he did not mention it to the press, but he admitted that he immediately went home and prepared everything needed for the inauguration, after the meeting.

"I got an invitation to the inauguration at 11.00 WIB. So at 11.00 WIB I was invited, I arrived at 12 o'clock here, the President was invited to have lunch with party leaders, then the inauguration was over and now I want to get certified first," said Hasan.

In general, regarding his new assignment, he said that the mandate given by the president was not easy. However, with his long experience in the cabinet and parliament, he is optimistic that he can help Jokowi.

"I, God willing, with my friends can quickly finish, especially cooking oil," he said.