"Once again, we are a big nation, and we have been blessed by Allah Subhanahu wa ta`ala diversity in the form of various colorful religions, races, traditions, tribes, and local dialects," Jokowi noted in his speech at the opening of the general assembly of the International Council of Women and a national meeting of 1,000 women organizations in the country at Hotel Grand Inna Malioboro.
He said the country`s cultural wealth must be preserved, so that the nation remains solid.
No other country in the world has as many diverse tribes, languages, and cultures as Indonesia, he pointed out.
Apart from its natural resources, Indonesia also has 714 tribes and 1,100 local languages, he noted.
"That is our country Indonesia, while the biggest asset of the nation is its unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. This is the biggest asset of the Indonesian nation that must be jointly preserved and maintained," he noted.
Jokowi appealed to the country`s women figures to continue to promote the reputation of the country by excelling in sports, maintaining peace, and boosting their performance in government offices and other sectors.
Several cabinet ministers present at the event included State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, Minister of Women`s Empowerment and Child Protection Yohana Yembise, Minister State Secretary Pratikno, and several state-owned company executives.
The general assembly of the ICW and national meeting of 1,000 Indonesian women organizations are scheduled on Sept 13-20 to discuss efforts to stop cases of violence against women, protection of woman and children, and equality of human rights.
Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
