"I would just like to remind the people that our country is a big one, filled with a vast range of cultures, races, religions, traditions, costumes, and languages. We have 714 tribes and 1,100 traditional languages, and this shows our diversity," he said, after carrying out Zhuhr prayer in the Al Muhsinin Grand Mosque in Solok Sub-district, West Sumatra, on Thursday.
He further explained that across the world, there are no countries with as much diversity as Indonesia.
He believed that such vast culture in Indonesia is a gift from the almighty, one that is worth of national pride and gratitude.
"We also need to maintain our sense of unity and sense of companionship," he noted.
The former Jakarta governor also asked the people to maintain and take care of the situation around them and protect it from conflicts and disputes caused by tribal or religious differences.
"Most importantly we must not let disputes happen between villages, cities, and sub-districts in our beloved country," he added.
Additionally, the president extended his gratitude towards the people of Solok for their warm welcome and greetings towards his entourage and him.
The President`s visit to Solok sub-district is a part of a series of work activities. He is scheduled to visit Tanah Datar next, after previously stopping by in the sub-district of Dharmasraya, West Sumatra.
Reported by Bayu Prasetyo
(UU.KR-ARC/INE)
EDITED BY INE/A014
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
