The colour green that we pick today exudes a feeling of coolness and signifies hope and growth
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that the traditional attire he wore while attending the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) here, Tuesday, symbolized harmony.

The president wore the Bangka Belitung traditional attire called Paksian adorned with a bamboo shoot pattern, while First Lady Iriana wore a pink kebaya along with a matching hijab and brown bottoms made of batik cloth.

"The colour green that we pick today exudes a feeling of coolness and signifies hope and growth. Thank you," Jokowi stated to conclude his remarks during the Annual Session and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI).


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Jokowi's statement regarding his choice of attire for the Annual Session drew applause from attendees comprising government ministers, parliament members, heads of national institutions, and ambassadors.

By selecting the attire of Bangka Belitung, the president continues to follow the tradition of wearing traditional clothing to attend the Annual Session. He has worn traditional clothing of the Sasak people from West Nusa Tenggara, Sabu people from East Tenggara, and Baduy people from Banten during the last three Annual Sessions.

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Meanwhile, Chief Expert Staff of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP RI) Agung Hardjono stated that the Bangka Belitung traditional attire worn by the president during the Annual Session signifies unity and harmony of various cultures.

He highlighted that the Paksian attire is a testament to the influence of Arabs, Chinese, and Malay people interacting with the locals in Bangka Belitung that was a maritime trading hub.

"This also represented how Indonesia, comprising various ethnic groups, languages, religious faiths, and other differences, can stand united as one country," Hardjono remarked.


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Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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