Jakarta. Communications Minister Budi Arie Setiadi has just dismissed rumors of mass cabinet resignation, saying that all ministers were busy focusing on their jobs.

Senior economist Faisal Basri recently said that as many as 15 ministers were ready to leave President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s cabinet. Faisal listed Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi among those who will potentially leave their ministerial posts. Faisal also mentioned Public Works Minister Basuki Hadimuljono. His remarks sparked wild speculations of cracks within Jokowi’s administration as the February 14 presidential election nears.

“The rumor of 15 ministers resigning  … is not true at all. The Jokowi-Ma’ruf Amin government, the Onward Indonesia cabinet, we are all solid. All of the ministers are focused on work," Budi told reporters on Friday.

For instance, Retno is currently busy preparing for a UN Security Council session related to the Gaza conflict, according to Budi.

“An economist gave his opinion to the media, telling people to trust that rumor. But hold on, those are not the facts. Fifteen ministers resigning is an opinion, not a fact. ... I have asked the ministers one by one if this is true or not. Everyone denies it,” Budi said, without referring to Faisal by name.

Budi said such rumors were nothing to be surprised at, as Indonesia got closer to the presidential election.

He added: “But we need to provide the facts to the public.” 

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