"We are grateful to have become the nation with the largest Muslim population in the world, as well as being the fourth largest democracy in the world," President Jokowi noted in his annual state of the nation address to Parliament on Thursday, prior to the celebration of Indonesia`s 73rd Independence Day on August 17.
The head of state remarked that Indonesia has managed to escape the fear of instability and political violence with every regeneration of the national and regional leadership.
He pointed out that as many as 101 regional head elections occurred simultaneously in 2017, and 171 simultaneous regional elections in 2018 were carried out safely and peacefully.
"The people welcomed the democratic festivity with joy, with great enthusiasm, and with increasing political maturity," he said.
The President is also grateful that Indonesia has established Pancasila as the nation`s ideological energy source, which according to him has guided all the nation`s children in realizing the promises of independence.
"Pancasila is a guiding star, a driving force, a source of inspiration, and a unifier of the Indonesian nation, with unity in diversity," he stated.
In clinging to Pancasila, he believes Indonesia will become a sovereign and dignified nation in its relations with other countries.
Present at the MPR annual session were Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his wife Mufidah Kalla, the third Indonesian President BJ Habibie, the fifth Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri, the sixth Indonesian Vice President Try Soetrisno, the eleventh Indonesian Vice President Boediono, the heads of state institutions, MPR/DPR/DPD members, ambassadors of friendly countries, as well as other invited guests.
Reporting by Hanni Sofia
Editing Otniel Tamindael
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
