Humbleness and Transparency Behind Jokowi's New Cabinet Photo

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo explained the philosophy behind the official Indonesia Onward (Indonesia Maju) Cabinet photo that saw himself, VP Ma'ruf Amin, and the rest of his State Ministers sitting down in a formation on the steps of the Merdeka Palace. 

“The pose of sitting down symbolizes humbleness but must remain working hard as it was announced when the weather conditions were extremely hot,” the presidentsaid in a dialogue with State Palace journalists in Jakarta, Thursday, October 24. 

President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin posed for the official photo session with other ministers of Indonesia Onward Cabinet for the Period of 2019-2024 at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019. TEMPO/Subekti

The president said he can easily introduce his state ministers in a photo that is staged inside an air-conditioned room. However, he decided that it is best to stage the Cabinet photo session outdoors to show that his second-term presidency is transparent. 

“That is why it was [done] outside,” the president continued. 

Moreover, in the Indonesia Onward Cabinet introduction, President Joko Widodo announced seven directives for his State Ministers; avert from corruption, Ministers do not have personal visions and goals, to work swift and productive, to not be stuck in routines, to personally go to the field in finding solutions, and lastly is to commit to serious work.

“I assure you that those who are not serious and not committed will be fired,” said Jokowi.

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