Surabaya Mayor Risma Reacts to Issue on Jokowi Offering Ministerial Post

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Surabaya City Mayor Tri Rismaharini spoke up about issues saying that President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo offered her the position of Social Affairs Minister to replace Juliari Batubara who was involved in Covid-19 graft aid. Risma clarified there was no offer.

Risma said she did not expect to have a position, including to be a minister. Presently, she did not think of being a minister since the regional election head or Pilkada has not yet completed.

When asked if the offer is issued after the election ends, Risma did not provide a firm answer.

“I’ll perform istikhara prayer (a prayer to seek answers) first whether I can be [a minister] or not. [I don’t want to say yes] because it may turn out to be that I can’t. We must not be arrogant, the one who can judge me is myself, not other people,” said the mayor on Monday, Dec. 14.

When questioned further whether she is willing to enter the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Risma said she would see the development. “Let’s see. I just follow Ibu Mega (Megawati Soekarnoputri, PDIP chairperson),” she added.

After Juliari Batubara resigned from his position as Social Affairs Minister, rumors circulated that Risma would be the one to replace him. Moreover, she has served as Mayor of Surabaya City for ten years. 

However, when asked again about her readiness to receive such an assignment, Risma dodged the question. “Ready for what? Don't blow this up,” she said while laughing.

Also Read: Surabaya Reports Zero Covid-19 Cases in More Than Half of its Subdistricts

KUKUH S. WIBOWO