VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has emphasized the importance of neutrality for all acting regional heads in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

He stated that he evaluates their work daily and removes any who are found to be biased.

"I evaluate (their work) every day. Once they have gone rogue, I will change their position. That is my prerogative," he stated while addressing all Indonesian acting regional heads at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Monday.

Jokowi also urged all acting regional heads to provide full support to the General Election Commission (KPU) and General Election Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu).

"However, do not intervene in their work," he emphasized.

He said that the support and assistance can be provided in the form of the operational budget that should be disbursed immediately.

He also reminded acting regional heads to desist from taking sides with any election candidate.

"I also ask you not to take sides. Your work is being monitored. It is very easy to spot which acting regional head is taking sides," Jokowi stated.

Moreover, he called on acting regional heads to ensure that all ASN will be neutral in facing the 2024 general election.

"Lastly, please maintain harmony in your ranks. Resolve it immediately if there is a spark related to politics," he said.

Jokowi said he will evaluate all these directions on a daily basis. Various obstacles related to the implementation of elections can be reported to the Ministry of Home Affairs and to the president.

"I will continue to monitor your work and duties. If there is a problem, please immediately report it to the Ministry of Home Affairs. If it is serious, immediately come to me, so I can help," he remarked.

The president's meeting with acting regional heads was attended by 37 acting mayors, 133 acting district heads, and 23 acting governors throughout Indonesia.

Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian and Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani also accompanied President Jokowi at the meeting. (Antaranews)