"I encourage all the children of the nation to return to the spirit of unity in Indonesia, return to the essence of sharing and caring without differentiating between backgrounds, tribes, religions or communities," said the President in his speech at the annual People`s Consultative Assembly meeting in Jakarta, Thursday.
He believed that the commemoration of the 73rd independence day should serve as a reminder to revisit the spirit of Indonesia`s unity, which was established by the founding fathers and freedom fighters in seizing and defending the country`s independence.
The Head of State noted that when the freedom fighters were striving to achieve independence, all members of the nation had set aside their differences.
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 invited the nation to be grateful when facing trials and challenges because the founders of the nation had proven that the success of a nation is sustained by the nation itself.
Jokowi explained that the unity and integrity of the Indonesian people had become a force respected by other nations across the world.
"I believe in the spirit of unity, caring, and sharing, paired with team work, and with that, we will be able to face all the challenges of the future and generate more achievements as a brilliant and advanced nation," remarked the president.
The President and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo arrived at the People`s Consultative Assembly building with Vice President M Jusuf Kalla and his wife Mufidah Jusuf Kalla.
Several former Indonesian presidents and vice presidents also attended the meeting, including BJ Habibie, Megawati Soekarnoputri, Try Sutrisno, and Boediono.
Reported by Bayu Prasetyo
Edited by Aria Cindyara, Fardah Assegaf
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
