On the occasion, he emphasized the importance of preserving national unity with regard to the diversity of the country.
"Indonesia is a big country, with a population of 260 million, and blessed with diversity in terms of religions, ethnic groups, tribes, and dialects," he stated in his speech.
Sporting a traditional Malay costume, the president noted that he could possibly have around five thousand different traditional costumes.
"Let us maintain our brotherhood and unity, as without them it will be impossible to have experience development," he remarked.
The chairman of the organizing committee, Yose Saputra, explained that Riau Malay people are an open society.
Referring to the participants, he noted that they were from different cultures, as seen in the Zape dance from Riau, Barong Sai (Chinese), Tor Tor (Batak), Cucuk Lampah (Central Java), and Reog Ponorogo (East Java).
"We have so far promoted Malay language, which has been adopted as one of the pillars of Youth Oath. After its declaration, the Unitary State of Indonesia is the final form of the state that must be preserved," he added.
The event was also attended by local traditional and religious leaders; school and university students; Riau Governor Wan Thamrin; Chief of the Office of Presidential Staff Moeldoko; and Chief of National Intelligence Agency Budi Gunawan.
Reporting by Agus Salim, Yoseph Hariyadi
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
