Jokowi Appoints Ad Interim Minister Ahead of Visit to Africa

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno has been appointed as Ad Interim Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. Sandiaga will temporarily replace Luhut as the minister accompanies Jokowi on his first-ever visit to Africa.

"We announce that Mr. President appoints Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy and Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency as Ad Interim Coordinating Minister for Maritime and Investment Affairs throughout the Coordinating Minister's working visit abroad," the Ministry of State Secretary wrote in a letter numbered B-795/M/D-3 AN.00.03/08/2023, received by Tempo on Sunday, August 20, 2023.

According to the letter inked by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Luhut will accompany Jokowi on his visit to several countries in Africa, namely Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Africa on August 19 to 26, 2023.

Jokowi headed to Africa yesterday, Sunday, August 20, to attend the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa. "Indonesia is invited to attend BRICS Summit. Bilateral meetings with various state leaders will commence in between the Summit," Jokowi said.

According to Jokowi, Indonesia has a long history with Africa. Indonesia hosted and initiated the Asia-Africa Conference in 1955 in Bandung, West Java, which also resulted in the non-block movement. "The Spirit of Bandung will be present during my visit to Africa to strengthen the solidarity and cooperation between the global south countries," he said.

Moreover, Kenya and Tanzania opened their embassies in Indonesia last year. Jokowi remarked that this showed their commitment to cooperating with Indonesia. In addition, Mozambique was the first African country to ink a preferential trade agreement with Indonesia.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH

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