"If they want (to engage themselves in politics), I will push them, but if they don't want to, why should I push them? I will never force children to enter politics. If they want to, just let them do it," Joko Widodo said at the Merdeka Palace here on Wednesday.
President Joko Widodo made the remarks in a special interview with Indonesia's state news agency, Antara.
"(Children) chose to sell martabak (pan-fried bread). Choose to sell fried bananas. They don't want to be pushed to be what they want to be. For example, they don't want (to engage in politics), " the president added.
President Jokowi's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka (31) is known to have a catering business "Chili Pari" which has been in Solo since December 2010.
While President Jokowi's youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep (24) also has a business of fried banana named "Sang Pisang" and has branches in more than 30 cities in Indonesia.
The president also claimed not to appoint special cadres as his successors in 2024.
"Yes, we have many cadres for future candidates who have good qualities. Many of them have been tested. Many of them are from the governments including district heads, governors and mayors. We just choose. They are also many from private companies with good management. We just choose. They are still young.
According to the president, he also had no burden in his five years of leadership the second time later.
"What is the burden? It cannot be nominated again," said the head of state.
But in 2024, he dreams of Indonesia's economic foundation being strong.
"It means that we don't think of economic growth but the quality of economic growth and its distribution," he said.
Translator: Desca/Eliswan Azly
Editor: Bambang Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
