Jokowi Bids Farewell to Onward Indonesia Cabinet at State Palace Banquet

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) bid an emotional farewell to the Onward Indonesia Cabinet during a lunch banquet at the State Palace on Friday. The event, attended by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, President-elect Prabowo Subianto, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, and members of the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres), marked the conclusion of Widodo’s administration ahead of the transition of power on October 20, 2024.

“I wish to express my utmost gratitude for your support and hard work for this country,” President Widodo said in a statement released during the event. He commended the Cabinet for its dedication over the past five years, noting that they had successfully navigated numerous national challenges through strategic and collaborative efforts.

Reflecting on his decade-long presidency, Widodo expressed his hope that his administration’s work would leave a lasting impact on the nation. He also sought forgiveness from Cabinet members for any shortcomings during his tenure, acknowledging the shared efforts in addressing complex issues.

As he prepares to step down, Widodo announced his plans to return to his hometown of Surakarta after handing over the presidency to Prabowo Subianto on October 20. In a light-hearted moment, he invited his ministers to visit him in Surakarta, offering his home as a place of welcome. “If anyone wants to go to Surabaya, for instance, you will pass through Surakarta. My home is always open to you,” he remarked.

Widodo also extended his best wishes to the incoming Cabinet of Prabowo Subianto, expressing confidence in their ability to lead the nation successfully over the next five years.

During the farewell banquet, President Widodo shared a table with Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, President-elect Prabowo, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, and Maritime and Investment Affairs Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. He also took time to greet other ministers individually and later joined them for a group photo to commemorate the occasion.

The event concluded with a collective sense of camaraderie as President Widodo expressed his deep appreciation for the shared journey and his optimism for the future leadership of the country.

Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo’s son, will officially be sworn in as Indonesia’s new President and Vice President on October 20, taking over from Widodo and Amin to lead the nation into its next chapter.