"By saying `Bismillahirahmanirrohim`, I officially open the Fifth Keraton and Customary Community Festival in Sumenep," said President Joko Widodo, better known as Jokowi.
In the opening, which fell coincidentally with the Youth Pledge Commemoration Day, the President encouraged all parties to maintain and take care of unity, kinship and harmony.
"This country`s biggest asset is the harmony of kinship," he said.
During the event, people were able to meet the Kings, Sultans, Princes and Customary Holders who were members of the Archipelago Keraton Friendship Forum.
"We can see how diverse our country is. There are different religions, traditions, customs and tribes. This is a gift from the almighty to Indonesia," said Jokowi.
The State Leader reminded parties to maintain unity and harmony which is one of the biggest assets of Indonesia`s.
"We shall not be trapped in the whirlwind of hate, hoax, slander. Those are not the values we have been taught by our predecessors, and not the attitude that were shown by past leaders of the archipelago, the kings and the sultans," he said again.
He asked for all parties to nurture and leave behind a vast, noble and honorable civilization of Indonesia.
The ASEAN Keraton and Customary Community Festival was held once again in 2018. After the previous Festival, back in 2017 was held in Bandung, this time around, Sumenep was appointed as host of the event that will take place through to October 31.
The event started with a road show in five traditional kingdoms in Indonesia, known as the Keratons, including ones in Solo, Medan, Mempawah, Ternate and Denpasar.
The annual event was held to maintain the relationship between Keratons and elevate their roles as the nation`s cultural legacies.
Reporting by Agus Salim
Editing by Aria Cindyara, Andi Abdussalam
Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Bustanuddin
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
