Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo stated that there is a moment when the nation as a whole must set aside its differences to realize true freedom for the country.

"Tomorrow, we, the nation of Indonesia, will commemorate our 73rd Independence Day. This is a moment for us to remind ourselves of the spirit of unity, which was established by our founding fathers, pioneers and freedom fighters in seizing and defending our independence. In this moment, all children of the nation should set aside their political, tribal, religious and communal differences, if only to realize the true freedom of Indonesia," said President Widodo in his Presidential speech at the annual People`s Consultative Assembly meeting in Jakarta, Thursday.

He stated that inherent differences did not stand in the way of the nation`s freedom fighters when uniting for a common purpose.

In their unity, they found tremendous energy, using all their power, ideas and efforts for the good of Indonesia.

The president also pointed out that in Indonesia`s unity, the fighters found solidarity, respect and the spirit of sharing with their fellow citizens.

"Now, after 73 years of independence, we must continue in the spirit of the freedom fighters to work to fulfill our independence, to work to fulfill the promises of that independence, and to work to realize social justice for all Indonesian people," he added.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, along with his wife Mufidah Kalla, were seen attending the event, as well as the heads and members of the Assembly, the heads and members of governmental institutions, ministers of the Working Cabinet and former Presidents BJ Habibie and Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Former Vice Presidents Try Sutrisno and Boediono were also seen attending the event.

Reported by Hanni Sofia
Edited by Aria Cindyara, Fardah Assegaf

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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