This must be done because Indonesia is the biggest country with a multitude of tribes and cultures, but such differences should not be the cause of division, the head of state, who is commonly known as Jokowi, said here on Friday.
Furthermore, political differences among parties should not be used to foment disunity, he remarked. "It would be a loss if we were disunited just because of these differences," the President said.
Jokowi also emphasized the need for people to come together to sustain the existence of the Indonesian nation, which was united through Pancasila and the principle of unity in diversity.
"If the people are cohesive, the state will get stronger," he stressed.
The president made the remark during his visit to Palembang, where he took a close look at the preparation of facilities in the capital city of South Sumatra, which will co-host the 2018 Asian Games in August.
The head of state is also slated to distribute land certificates to a number of communities and inspect the implementation of the labor intensive program.
Together with his wife, Jokowi will open the competition at the President`s Rowing Cup on Saturday.
On the 15th, the President is scheduled to inaugurate the light rapid transit (LRT) in Palembang.
South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin said Jokowi is also expected to inaugurate the rowing lanes for the games at Jakabaring Sport City.
"We are now sharing information on how to buy LRT tickets, as well as what is allowed and not allowed on the LRT", Alex said recently.
The LRT in Palembang would be the first to run in Indonesia. Greater Jakarta is also building LRT tracks but the projects have yet to be completed.
Palembang`s LRT spans 24km from the Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II Airport to Jakabaring Sport City, at a cost of Rp10.9 trillion (US$760 million).
Reporter: Ujang Idrus
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
