Indonesia's outgoing President Jokowi holds final Cabinet meet in new capital

By Efe Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - At his final cabinet meeting held in the nation's new capital, Nusantara, on Friday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged ministers to ensure a "smooth" transition to the new government.

“All of us need to fully support the president-elect’s (Prabowo Subianto) programs. Make sure that the government transition runs effectively,” said the Indonesian president, popular known as Jokowi.

Prabowo, the current defense minister, was elected president early this year and is set to take the oath of office next month.

He has also secured a parliamentary majority after the main opposition NasDem party extended its support to his future administration.

Prabowo, a former army general, has pledged to continue Jokowi’s policies, including the ambitious $32 billion capital relocation plan.

Meanwhile, addressing members of the House’s Commission I, which oversees foreign affairs, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi urged lawmakers to maintain their support for the Palestinian cause.

"Ladies and gentlemen, one of the key issues I entrust to you in Commission I is the Palestinian cause. We must never abandon the Palestinian people in their fight for their rights against oppression," Retno said as she attended her final parliamentary hearing with the House of Representatives in Jakarta, according to the Jakarta Globe.

Retno is the first female foreign minister of Indonesia appointed by Jokowi in 2014.

Jokowi, 63, officially inaugurated the new capital Nusantara last month when the nation celebrated its independence day.

Over 80% of the infrastructure work for the first phase of the $32 billion capital city project has been completed.