President Jokowi Scheduled to Open 2019 IIMS

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo was scheduled to open Telkomsel automotive exhibition Indonesia International Motor Show or IIMS 2019 in Jakarta International Expo or JIExpo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, April 25. The president director of PT Dyandra Promosindo, Hendra Noor Saleh, as the show organizer conveyed the statement.

“To date, we’re still expecting the President to open IIMS 2019 but we can’t ensure his presence. But Industry Minister will surely open and give a speech if the President fails to come,” said Hendra in JIExpo Kemayoran, Wednesday, April 24.

Hendra said Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto had confirmed his presence to open the biggest annual automotive expo that was held on April 25-May 5, 2019.

Hendra considered the appearance of President Jokowi in the auto show was necessary considering a total of 11 Indonesian universities joined the event to display their automotive works.

“Eleven universities will show their Electric Formula vehicles in IIMS 2019. The presence of President will be a support for the students’ works,” he said.

Hendra said the auto show would always promote more advanced automotive products made by students since IIMS 2017. The product was merely displayed in IIMS 2017, yet in IIMS 2018, visitors were allowed to run a test.

“This year, we hold Formula E-Racing competition, a racing contest in the asphalt area. We also set the trial run area,” Hendra concluded.

In IIMS 2018, President Jokowi opened the exhibition donning a white shirt with a denim jacket that he wore during his motorcycle tour to Sukabumi, West Java. The custom-made jacket had previously sparked public debate as it embedded the map of Indonesia on the chest part. Some perceived it as a symbol of dividing the country when the President unzipped the jacket.

ANTARA