Bandung, W Java (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) was awarded a "Pinisepuh" (elderly wise man) title by Pasundan Community in West Java on Sunday.

"Pinisepuh consists of men who have given total and remarkable service to the nation and state," the chief of Pasundan Community, Didi Turmudzi, said at the titie awarding ceremony held at the community`s headquarters here.

President Jokowi arrived at the building at 9am, welcomed by community members and students of Pasundan University.

Several Pasundan (traditional music and dance performances of indigenous Sundanese people of West Java) had also been performed to welcome him.

The presentation of the title was marked by the pinning of a gold "kujang" which is a blade weapon native to the Sundanese people on his "beskap" (traditional suit).

President Jokowi expressed appreciation to the award saying it was an extraordinary honor for him.

"I feel like I am in my own home. People of Bandung (capital of West Java) are very cordial and open. I found the same of the people of West Java, cordial and open," he said.

Several local figures attended the event including former governor of West Java Solihin GP also known like locally as Mang Ihin and Golkar Party politician Ginandjar Kartasasmita.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla was given the same award in August 2015 by the same organization which was established in 1913.

Several high ranking officials were also seen at the ceremony including cabinet secretary Pramono Anung, industry minister Airlangga Hartarto, social affairs minister Agus Gumiwang, coordinator of presidential special staff Teten Masduki and West Java governor Ridwan Kamil.

President Jokowi is seeking reelection in the vote scheduled in April next year. He would compete against former army general Prabowo Subianto who he beat in the last election in 2014.

Reporting by Bayu Prasetyo
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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