Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The foundation of the nations development hinges on the values of honesty and integrity, which should be inculcated since an early age, according to President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi.

"Honesty is the foundation of the nations development. Our nation will be respected if its people demonstrate high standards of honesty and integrity," the president remarked at a gathering of 505 school principals, the recipients of the National Exam Integrity Award, at the State Palace on Monday.

The president emphasized that a country that cannot maintain its integrity is a failed nation. Therefore, he stressed that the values of honesty and integrity must be imbibed since an early age in families and schools.

Jokowi pointed out that the people in Singapore abstain from habits, such as smoking and spitting.

According to the president, most children today are influenced by Western values that they consider modern, whereas Indonesia has its own values and character, such as the values of Pancasila and mutual cooperation.

"The values of Pancasila and mutual cooperation can only be inculcated at homes and schools and in the family environment," Jokowi stated.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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