"As a citizen, I am always ready to answer a call of duty from the state as long as I am able. Still, everything depends on the task giver," Jonan said.
He clarified that President Prabowo did not offer him any position, saying their discussion focused mainly on national programs. "No, there was no offer to return to the government," he confirmed.
Jonan said his willingness to serve again stems purely from a sense of moral responsibility to the nation.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya arranged the two-hour meeting, during which Prabowo and Jonan discussed national development, diplomacy, and people-centered government programs.
Jonan first gained public attention as president director of state-run railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) from 2009 to 2014, where he successfully reformed railway management and services.
His performance led to ministerial appointments under President Joko Widodo as transportation minister (2014–2016) and energy and mineral resources minister (2016–2019). After leaving government, he served as commissioner for several major private companies.
Public interest in Jonan has resurfaced amid debate over the Jakarta–Bandung High-Speed Railway's rising debt. Reports suggest he was skeptical about the project after the government shifted its partnership from Japan to China.
Jonan, however, said the project — popularly known as Whoosh — was not discussed during his meeting with Prabowo. "I don't know about Whoosh because the president did not ask for my view of it," he said.
While commending the project's operations, he urged reporters to ask the president directly about its management and financial issues.
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Translator: Andi F/Fathur R, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Anton Santoso
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