WNAM REPORT: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) bid farewell to the Onward Indonesia Cabinet at a lunch banquet attended by Cabinet members at the State Palace here on Friday.
“I wish to express my utmost gratitude for your support and hard work for this country,” he told the ministers during the agenda, according to a written statement received here on Friday.
He said that the Cabinet braced and addressed national challenges using strategic measures that were discussed and debated during Cabinet meetings over the last five years.
He then expressed the hope that his work in the last decade would leave a deep impression on and benefit the people and the country.
He also sought forgiveness from Cabinet members for any shortcomings or personal mistakes during his term.
Widodo also informed them that he will return to Surakarta — his hometown — after handing over the presidency to Prabowo on October 20, 2024. He invited the ministers to visit him there.
“If anyone wants to go to Surabaya, for instance, you will pass through Surakarta. My home is always open to you,” he remarked.
During the farewell, Widodo also welcomed the incoming Cabinet of Prabowo Subianto and bid it success in its endeavors over the next five years.
The President’s farewell banquet was attended by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, President-elect Prabowo, Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers, heads of government agencies, and members of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres).
Though Widodo sat with VP Amin, Prabowo, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Maritime and Investment Affairs Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan during the banquet, he also visited other tables to greet the ministers.
At the end of the agenda, Widodo and his Cabinet ministers took a group photo.
Prabowo and Gibran Rakabuming Raka will be sworn in as Indonesia’s new president and vice president on October 20 in place of Widodo and Amin.
