"Hence, if you want to ride your motorcycle, please check first its headlight. Also, make sure that it has a pair of mirrors, and before riding it, you have worn your helmet," he told attendees of a Millennial Road Safety Festival here on Saturday.
At the festival, attended by several thousand people, particularly millennials, the incumbent president also warned car drivers and motorcyclists throughout the country to avoid using their smartphones while driving.
"Using cellular phones while driving is so dangerous. Hence, please avoid using our hand-held phones (while driving) because our parents and family members are waiting for us at home. Please, be careful while driving," Jokowi suggested.
Respecting the traffic rules and regulations was also deemed necessary for road safety, as road accidents were recorded to be the fifth leading cause of death in the world after illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, he pointed out.
To this end, Jokowi urged the drivers to pay serious attention to road safety to prevent them and others from getting involved in road accidents.
As part of the Millennial Road Safety Festival`s programs, an art performance was also showcased to welcome the president and his entourage.
At the same time, several attendees also showcased Batik clothing that they had displayed along Palembang City`s iconic Ampera Bridge in their endeavor to draw the president`s attention.
They also called out the president`s nickname, Jokowi, in the hopes of being granted the opportunity to take selfies with him on the sidelines of the event, which was also attended by First Lady Iriana Jokowi, Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi, and South Sumatra Governor Herman Deru.
Reporting by Joko Susilo, Rahmad Nasution
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
