"Considering that information related to my duties as the communication and informatics minister has been widely circulated in society, especially on social media, I can say that until now, I am still carrying out the duties and functions entrusted by the president as member of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet," he noted in a written statement received here, Thursday.
However, the decision to reshuffle the cabinet fell under the complete authority of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, he remarked.
"It needs to be emphasized that forming, changing, and replacing cabinet members is entirely the prerogative of the president according to the Indonesian Constitution," Plate stated.
The minister is optimistic that political parties in Indonesia would be able to maintain the sole prerogative of the president.
"We believe that every political party in Indonesia understands and maintains the constitutional rights of the president's prerogative rights," he said.
He also urged all parties to be careful in disseminating information without checking the truth.
"Let us together ensure that information distributed and conveyed to the public must first be confirmed, so that its accuracy can be accounted for and for the sake of educating the community," he remarked.
On Wednesday, Plate expressed full support to President Joko Widodo regarding the decision to reshuffle the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet since it was the president's authority.
"I am here to assist the president in carrying out his policies and directives. The decision is entirely in the president's hand," he noted.
Hence, the minister believed his personal opinion in the public would not affect President Widodo's decision regarding the reshuffle.
"The opinion conveyed to the public would have no effect on the president's decision. That is entirely up to him," Plate noted.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira K, Resinta S
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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