"Of course, what we expect is that since they (political party leaders) are officials, it is better that their duties are not forgotten; do not let (such a thing) happen," The Vice President said in Bengkulu on Thursday.
He was in Bengkulu for a series of activities scheduled for his working visit, which included a review of local micro, small, and medium enterprises and an integrated health center.
He said that it is normal for officials who are also functioning as political parties' leaders to be occupied with political matters as they are entering the political year already.
Currently, it is time to register the candidates for the House of Representatives, the provincial House of Representatives, and the municipal and district House of Representatives. Registrations for the presidential and vice presidential candidates will start on October 19, 2023.
“(The leaders) Must be able to position self. I think that's my appeal. Because their duties are double, since they indeed are political parties leaders,” Amin said.
There are three leaders of political parties who are serving as ministers in the current cabinet: Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, who leads the National Mandate Party; Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, who leads the Party of Functional Groups; and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, who leads the Gerindra Party.
The President's special envoy for poverty eradication and food security Muhammad Mardiono is currently the acting head of the United Development Party.
On May 2, President Joko Widodo hosted a social event at Merdeka Palace for which he invited leaders of political parties who support his cabinet.
The event was also attended by Head of the Democratic Party of Struggle Megawati Soekarnoputri, Head of the National Awakening Party Muhaimin Iskandar, Head of the National Mandate Party Zulkifli Hasan, and Head of the Gerindra Party Prabowo Subianto.
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Translator: Desca Lidya Natalia, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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