"I laud the Pesparani event held by the Catholic church to glorify God. I hope the Catholic people will be able to do the best for the nation and state and build true brotherhood," he said in his recorded speech, which was broadcast to thousands of attendees.
The President`s speech was heard prior to a speech by minister of energy and mineral resources Ignasius Jonan.
Although it was short, the President`s comments drew much applause from the attendees at Merdeka Field. Ignasius Jonan said in his speech that President Jokowi had conveyed two important messages to Catholics in the country, regarding diversity and needs to preserve it.
Diversity, which has been developed since the age of the founding fathers, is the greatest asset of the country, and people must maintain and preserve it.
"Unity, solidarity and brotherhood must always be maintained, as it will make Indonesia a large country and respected in the world," Jonan said, quoting the president.
President Jokowi said without unity, solidarity and brotherhood it would not be easy to build the country. "In view of that, we must all maintain and preserve them in our diversity," Jonan said.
The first choir event, to be held from October 27 to November 2, was attended by participants from 34 provinces.
Reporting by Jimmy Ayal
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
