Sandiaga Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy and Tito Karnavian were appointed by President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo to become Ad Interim Minister.
This appointment is in lieu of a number of ministers who went with the President to Africa, who is currently visiting Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa on August 20, 2023. This visit is to strengthen solidarity among the countries of the global south.
Accompanying President Jokowi on the flight to Kenya were Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment; Pramono Anung, Cabinet Secretary;, Arifin Tasrif, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources; Andy Rachmianto, Director General of Protocol and Consular of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Head of State Protocol; Rear Admiral Hersan, the President’s Military Secretary; Army Maj. Gen. Rafael Granada Baay, Paspampres Commander; and Deputy for Protocol, Bey Machmudin Press and Media Secretariat of the President.
“It is this ‘Bandung’ spirit that I will bring with me on a visit to Africa by strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the global south countries,” said President Jokowi, on August 20, 2023.
He also said that this was his first visit to the African region in order to strengthen relations between countries and countries in Africa.
Relations with Africa have a long history since 1955, when Indonesia initiated and hosted the Asian-African Conference. Apart from that, Jokowi also reminded that Indonesia played an important role in giving birth to the Non-Aligned Movement.
Meanwhile, during his visit to a number of countries, he will discuss business, bilateral affairs, and the 2023 BRICS Summit.
Ad Interim Assignment of Sandiaga and Tito
Sandiaga was assigned to temporarily replace Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan who was accompanying Jokowi to Africa. He also serves as Ad Interim Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources. He filled the vacant position for Arifin Tasrif until August 23, 2023.
Meanwhile, Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs was appointed as Minister of Foreign Affairs Ad Interim replacing Retno Marsudi, Minister of Foreign Affairs temporarily. Retno Marsudi went on an official trip with President Jokowi to four countries in Africa.
“We respectfully inform you that the President is pleased to appoint the Minister of Home Affairs as Ad Interim Minister of Foreign Affairs as long as the Minister of Foreign Affairs is on an official trip abroad,” said Pratikno, Minister of State Secretary.
