Jokowi promises to solve problems faced by palaces in Indonesia

Bogor, W Java (Antaranews Bali) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has promised to find solution to the problems experienced by palaces, kingdoms, or sultanates in various parts of Indonesia.

A number of kings and sultans of the archipelago had an audience with Jokowi at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, on Thursday.

"I have made a lot of notes and have received (inputs) in the form of writing. I will formulate policies that can be implemented as soon as possible," he stated.

He promised to accommodate the inputs and find a way to solve the problems.

The president also asked the kings and sultans to provide more detailed reports, as a consideration in policy formulation.

Furthermore, the Head of State noted that he plans to allocate a special budget for the revitalization of damaged palaces.

"I also sought (inputs on) the palaces that need to be totally repaired. Perhaps, it can be done every year for a period of 3 or 5 years. I will calculate the budget first," he remarked.

In addition, Jokowi, who is also a former governor of Jakarta, also promised to immediately gather the related officials to discuss the inputs he had received.

"I have not been able to answer them, but I will meet all existing ministries after the meeting to discuss the certification of the land of the palaces. I will order for its immediate implementation," he noted.

The kings and sultans were present at the Bogor Palace on the direct invitation of Jokowi.

Previously, on one occasion, the Head of State had promised to invite kings and sultans to the Palace.

He expressed his wish to the kings and sultans to discuss related issues in the field, especially those in the palaces.

He also wanted to get direct input from the kings and sultans. "I would like to hear the problems from the kings and sultans, as well as from the princes and queens who are present this morning," he pointed out, as he began his audience at the Garuda Room, Bogor Presidential Palace.

This warm and intimate gathering was attended by 88 kings and sultans from all over Indonesia, with 20 from Sumatra, 17 from Java, 3 from Bali, 4 from NTB (West Nusa Tenggara), 5 from NTT (East Nusa Tenggara), 10 from Kalimantan, 18 from Sulawesi, 9 from Maluku, and 2 from Papua.

One of the representatives of the invitees, on the occasion, expressed his appreciation to Jokowi for his willingness to meet the kings and sultans of the archipelago. (WDY)