If we are able to manage the pandemic well, then it means that we will also be able to manage other big agendasJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that Indonesia has been able to emerge as a strong nation in facing the COVID-19 pandemic. "We have successfully proved our country as (being) a strong country in facing the COVID-19 pandemic," he noted during his state address at the 2022 annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD), at the Parliamentary Complex, here on Tuesday.
According to the head of state, the hamlet and village communities also played an important role in protecting and sharing with each other.
"Ulema, religious leaders, and traditional leaders were actively assisting the community. Some socio-religious organizations were working quickly to help the community. Health workers, Indonesia Defense Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), and bureaucratic ranks were synergizing with each other to handle the disease," he added.
The president also affirmed that state institutions helped the government in tackling this uncertainty.
"If we are able to manage the pandemic well, then it means that we will also be able to manage other big agendas. This is our first strength to build our country," Jokowi stated.
Jokowi affirmed that Indonesia's second strength is its abundant natural resources.
"The vast area, with the richest biodiversity in the world, will surely become Indonesia's great strength if we manage it wisely and sustainably," he remarked.
However, related stakeholders should apply several conditions, including domestic downstreaming and industrialization, to bring added value and maximize national interests, he stated.
"This will open employment opportunities, increase exports, generate foreign exchange, increase state income, and boost economic growth," the president remarked.
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The president noted that the third strength was the demographic bonus. The very large population, which was dominated by young people of the productive age group as well as the increasing purchasing power of the people, would become the driving force of the national economy in facing the global competition.
The fourth strength is the sharp increase in international trust. Indonesia is accepted by Russia and Ukraine to serve as a communication bridge to broker peace despite the geopolitical situation heating up.
"Indonesia is also trusted by the United Nations as Champions from the Global Crisis Response Group for handling global crises," he added.
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In 2022, Indonesia is holding the G20 Presidency, an organization comprising the 20 largest countries dominating the world's economy. Next year, Indonesia will also become the Chair of ASEAN.
"This means that we are at the peak of global leadership and have a great opportunity to build international cooperation," he emphasized.
While delivering his state address, President Jokowi wore Paksian traditional attire from Bangka Belitung Province.
The traditional clothing was dominated by the color green and bore the pattern of pucuk rebung, or bamboo shoots. The pattern symbolizes harmony, while the color green in philosophy exudes a sense of coolness and signifies hope and growth.
After delivering the state speech, the president will later give a speech on the government's statement on the Financial Note and the 2023 Draft State Budget .
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Translator: Desca Lidya N, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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