Tanjung Priok Looks Deserted as Jokowi Set to Announce Cabinet
22 October 2014 18:02 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The passenger terminal at Tanjung Priok port looks deserted and security officials could be seen guarding the perimeter of the premises as President Joko Widodo is scheduled to announce his cabinet line-up at the Harbour. Security officials have even barred passengers who were scheduled to board KM Mabuhay on 14:00 Jakarta time.
"All I wanted was to take a picture at the pier so I can send it as proof to the office. Besides, the ship doesn't leave for another two hours," said a disgruntled passenger on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.
Security officials insisted on prohibiting any passengers from entering the perimeter of the passenger port. "We're sorry, but this area has been sterilized. President Jokowi is about make an announcement here," said one of the security officials on guard.
A security official named Yusuf Riyadi confirmed that President Joko Widodo is scheduled to announce his cabinet line-up at the port. "Yes, the announcement will be made here. President Jokowi and Vice President JK (as Jusuf Kalla is also known as) will be here later on in the evening, but I don't know the exact time. All we were told was to sterilise the area," said Yusuf.
After 15 minutes of intense lobbying, passengers who possessed tickets to their names were allowed to board the ship. "You can take pictures, but you have to leave after that," warned the security official.
According to Tempo sources, Jokowi is scheduled to announce the line-up of his cabinet shortly after the evening prayer, as President Jokowi is scheduled to inspect KM Mabuhay prior to making the announcement. According to Tempo's observation, the stage, sound system and lighting have already been set up for the cabinet announcement at Pier III at Tanjung Priok Harbour.
A number of employees of Indonesia's Port Corporation, terminal attendants and security officials who stood guard at the entrance of Pier III chose to remain silent when asked by Tempo about the scheduled announcement - some even pretended that nothing is scheduled to happen at Pier III tonight.
"Nothing is going on here," said a security official at the entrance of Pier III.
DEWI SUCI RAHAYU