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Jokowi 'working for people, not popularity'
JP/Arya DipaPresident Joko âJokowiâ Widodo says he is not concerned about his popularity declining
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JP/Arya Dipa
President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo says he is not concerned about his popularity declining.
The former Jakarta governor made his comments in response to a question about what he would do if his recent controversial policies, such as the fuel subsidy cut, turned people against him.
Jokowi replied that the government's policy of cutting fuel subsidies was intended to reduce the state budget.
'Based on my calculations, the current fuel subsidies can be used to build dams, airports and railways,' he said during the opening of the 15th national meeting of the Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen (Hipmi) in Bandung on Monday.
Jokowi said he was fully aware that the policy was unpopular among the public. He insisted, however, that the policy must go ahead. 'I've been told that if fuel prices increase, my popularity will decline. But I'm not working for popularity; I'm working for the people,' he said.
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician added that he did not dwell on personal popularity.
'I don't think about popularity. What is the benefit of popularity in my job? Nothing,' he said.
During his visit to Bandung, the President also visited the office of state arms maker PT Pindad. (***)
