TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Communications and Informatics or Kominfo Minister Johnny G. Plate has spoken up about the public criticism of the appointment of celebrity Maudy Ayunda as a spokesperson for Indonesia’s G20 presidency.

Johnny emphasized that the appointment of the 27-year-old singer and actress had taken into account the latter’s educational background and roles in reaching young people and millennials.

“It's a personal view to see it as a gimmick. No gimmick intended. Why should there be a gimmick while G20 is a serious event,” said Johnny to Tempo via a phone call, Tuesday, April 19.

Johnny explained that Maudy’s role is to report G20 priority agendas to a certain group, which is the young population. The information is related to engagement groups, sherpa track, or other strategic matters related to the forum agendas.

The NasDem politician denied the allegation that Maudy Ayunda lacked abilities to respond to diplomatic issues. Maudy, he underlined, only has the role to convey substantial meeting results, instead of talking about her own views.

“So don’t ask Maudy about the Ukraine and Russia war. That is an irrelevant question for her,” Johnny remarked.

The minister went on to say that the government mulled over appointing more spokespersons so that G20 information will not only be delivered by Maudy alone.

Apart from special spokespersons, Johnny said a number of ministers had been appointed as communicators of G20. “After all, the President is the main communicator.”

Johnny also asked the public not to question the appointment of Maudy Ayunda as the country’s spokesperson. He ensured that the decision was made through an official mechanism and process. “I personally introduced Maudy at a meeting in the Palace,” he said.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA