Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa has said the National Awakening Day, which is commemorated on May 20 every year should become a day spent in reflection and correction (especially over the character of the nation).

"In terms of character of the nation, we should indulge in reflection and correction critically," the minister said on Thursday.

According to her, (we) must be ready to reject drug abuse, refrain from violence, alleviate poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment.

"If we can avoid committing (drug abuse), as well as (refraining from violence, alleviate poverty, ignorance and underdevelopment), this nation will rise up to compete and have competitiveness against other countries," the minister explained.

This has also been proposed by President Joko Widodo with regards to bringing about a regarding mental and character revolution, and it is of course the right time to do it.

"We are a great nation, with incredible natural resources, qualified universities, we actually have quite a lot of reasons to be ready to compete with developed countries," she stated.

The minister further reiterated that drug abuse and other negative practices must be abandoned immediately.

Although the countrys economic condition is now improving, the character of the nation continues to be eroded by the increasing cases of violence, and sexual crimes.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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