"Some still speak Javanese, like gamelan music, or watch puppet show," Jokowi stated.
In the meeting at Hotel Grand Suka, which was also attended by head of presidential staff office Moeldoko, Jokowi reminded the people on how big the state is, with a population of 260 million.
"Ethnic Javanese here must respect the tradition here as well as local wisdom. Each region has its own way, while unity makes us strong," he remarked.
The chief of the community, Muhammad Aidil, noted that community members are Javanese living in Sumatra from Aceh to Lampung, while the central office of the community is in North Sumatra, chaired by H Suratman.
The community has been established to build brotherhood and contribute to regional development.
Many Javanese in Riau work in plantation and education sectors. "Job creation, however, is still needed, especially in industrial zones such as Dumai," he added.
Reporting by Agus Salim, Yoseph Hariyadi
Editing by Yoseph Hariyadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
