Thank you to all the people, who have become active citizens and continue to participate in building a democratic cultureJakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) deems constructive criticism as important, and to this end, the government will respond to criticism by fulfilling responsibilities in line with the public's expectations.
"I also realized that several forms of criticism are directed at the government, especially pertaining to some aspects that are yet unresolved. Constructive criticism is very important, and we always respond to criticism by fulfilling our responsibilities, as expected by the people," President Jokowi remarked during a speech at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the 2021 Joint Session of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia (DPR) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the Parliament Building here on Monday.
The head of state spoke of being sentient of the public fatigue, sadness, and suffering during this COVID-19 pandemic.
Jokowi called on the public to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and address other challenges through all-out efforts and prayers.
"We must care for our health, adhere to health protocols, as well as look after and help each other," he stated.
The president also expressed gratitude to all people, who have become active citizens and continue to participate in building a democratic culture.
"Thank you to all the people, who have become active citizens and continue to participate in building a democratic culture," President Jokowi emphasized.
During the MPR Annual Session, the head of state wore traditional Baduy clothing, while Vice President Ma'ruf Amin wore a traditional Mandar outfit from West Sulawesi.
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The MPR Annual Session, held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, was attended by select few people while still implementing strict health protocols.
Several leaders of state institutions present directly at the Annual Session were President Joko Widodo, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, Chair of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Chair of DPD LaNyalla Mattalitti, Chairman of the Supreme Audit Board Firman Sampurna, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Muhammad Syarifuddin, Chairman of the Constitutional Court Anwar Usman, and Chairman of the Judicial Commission Mukti Fajar Nur Dewanta.
The annual session was also attended by the coordinating minister for political, legal, and security affairs; coordinating minister for human development and culture; coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment; minister of state secretariat; cabinet secretary; minister of finance; minister of National Development Planning; commander of the Army; and chief of Police. Two other guests were prayer readers, of which one was the chairperson of the Indonesian Ulema Council and prayer reader at the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Draft Session (RAPBN).
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Former presidents and vice presidents were also present virtually, including 5th Indonesian president Megawati Soekarnoputri, 6th Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), 6th Indonesian vice president Tri Sutrisno, 9th Indonesian vice president Hamzah Haz , 10th and 12th vice president of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, and the 11th vice president of Indonesia, Boediono.
Meanwhile, 540 DPR members and 124 DPD members, 103 ambassadors or representatives of friendly countries, eight leaders of the Supreme Audit Agency, nine ranks in the Supreme Court, nine ranks of the Constitutional Court, six ranks of the Judicial Commission, and 34 governors from across Indonesia were also present virtually at the Annual Session.
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Translator: Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
