Rini Denies Transcript Discrediting President

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - State Enterprises Minister Rini M. Soemarno denied a transcript circulating on the social media that she has uttered words that could offend President Joko Widodo.

"During the holy month of Ramadhan, we should not slander other people," the minister said in a press statement released on Monday.

According to her, she never used the words found in the transcript in her daily life.  

As a member of the Working Cabinet, Rini said she felt obliged to maintain the President's dignity and self-esteem.

"For me, it is absolute to comply with and respect the President as my superior," she said.

Earlier, several publications carried a transcript of interview allegedly conducted with the minister.  

According to excerpt of the transcript, Rini appeared to have issued a statement that she was ready to be replaced. But President Joko Widodo must explain what mistakes she has made.

The transcript has sparked protest, with TB Hasannudin of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) expressing regret over the statement discrediting the President.

"I have listened and read the recording discrediting the President. The statement is highly regrettable," Hasannudin said earlier in the day.

However, the politician of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) refused to mention the minister for unethical reasons.

"Because of that, I am not willing to talk (about the content of the statement discrediting the President)," he said.

He believed President Joko Widodo already knows the matter.

"It is the President's prerogative (to dismiss the minister discrediting him)," he said. (WDY)