Free and active foreign policy is our breath and pillar. Whoever will lead Indonesia in the future, I am sure will not leave it
Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has assured that her ministry will maintain its neutrality and is ready to contribute to the successful implementation of honest and fair general elections this year.
"I believe that all Indonesian diplomats will always uphold integrity and professionalism in carrying out their duties," she said while issuing the "2024 Annual Press Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs" at Merdeka Building, Bandung, West Java, on Monday.
She expressed her gratitude to all diplomats and teams of the ministry within the country and abroad who have assisted in Indonesia's diplomatic efforts in the last nine years of President Joko Widodo's administration.
"Whoever will lead Indonesia in the future, I hope you all will continue to work wholeheartedly, serve, always be dignified diplomats, carry out high professionalism, and continue to spread positive energy and kindness," she said.
Marsudi expressed the hope that the diplomats would continue to strive for national interests and help Indonesia contribute to the world.
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"The spirit of Bandung will continue to give spirit to Indonesia's foreign policy. Free and active foreign policy is our breath and pillar. Whoever will lead Indonesia in the future, I am sure will not leave it," she remarked.
Indonesia will hold the general elections on February 14, 2024, with the participation of around 204.8 million voters. The political campaign period started on November 28, 2023, and will end on February 10, 2024.
During the elections, Indonesians will select a president and vice president as well as members of the House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representatives Council (DPD), and Regional Legislative Councils (DPRD) at the province, city, and district levels.
Three pairs of presidential and vice presidential candidates are contesting the elections — Anies Baswedan-Muhaimin Iskandar, Prabowo Subianto-Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and Ganjar Pranowo-Mahfud MD.
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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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