Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) appointed former Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) deputy Johan Budi as his spokesman here on Tuesday.

"From today onwards, I have asked Johan Budi to help me as a presidential special staff member," President Jokowi stated at a press conference at the Merdeka Palace.

President Jokowi noted that Budi had the experience to communicate the governments programs to the community.

"I know Johan Budi is very experienced. Later, he will help to socialize my programs among the people," he remarked.

The president expressed pleasure on being surrounded by good people.

Jokowi also affirmed that Budi would conduct coordination with ministries regarding government programs.

Budi stated that he had been assigned to communicate presidential activities and all government programs.

He admitted to have accepted the task after being requested by Chief of the Presidential Staff Teten Masduki.

"I decided to accept it, so I could offer my contribution," he emphasized.

Budi was known for his expertise as a KPK spokesman before later being chosen as acting KPK deputy following the suspension of Abraham Samad and Bambang Widjojanto as chief and deputy.

He later applied for the post of KPK commissioner but failed to pass the test conducted by the House of Representatives that had triggered certain concerns among some quarters.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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