Jokowi says Cabinet working normally, amid reports of discontent

Jokowi says Cabinet working normally, amid reports of discontent

The Indonesian president says it is normal and democratic to have differences of opinion.

Indonesia president Joko Widodo has been accused of lacking neutrality in his tacit backing of candidate Prabowo Subianto. (Reuters pic)
JAKARTA:
Indonesia president Joko Widodo said on Friday his cabinet was working normally, amid reports of discontent among his ministers.

“The cabinet has no problem,” Jokowi, as the president is known, told reporters when asked about unease in the cabinet, adding it was normal and democratic to have differences of opinion.

Indonesia will have presidential and legislative elections on Feb 14.

Local media has reported some discontent in Jokowi’s cabinet following public criticism levelled at the president about perceived political interference and lack of neutrality in his tacit backing of leading candidate, Prabowo Subianto, his defence minister.

Jokowi has said presidents are allowed to support candidates.

Prabowo is on a ticket with Jokowi’s son as his running mate.

While Jokowi has not explicitly endorsed any of the three candidates, he has made highly publicised appearances with Prabowo.

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