"In looking for a future leader, what kind of a leader are we looking for? Be careful, I remind you be careful. Choose a leader carefully. Choose a leader, who understands how the people feel," Jokowi stated while addressing thousands of his supporters during a gathering called "United Nusantara" organized by Jokowi's Volunteers at the Gelorang Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium, here on Saturday.
The president said that signs of a caring leader could be seen from his appearance, with several wrinkles on his face and grey hair.
"If the face is smooth and clean, having no wrinkles, be careful. Look at the hair, if it's all white, then it means he thinks about the people," Jokowi said without mentioning specific names.
The president also reminded the public to look for a leader, who does not lead Indonesia just by sitting comfortably in the palace and enjoying the benefits of air conditioning but rather a leader, who is happy and willing to go out to meet the people and to feel their sweat.
"Do not let us choose a leader, who later only likes to sit in a palace where the air conditioner is cold. Do not, let me repeat it, do not let us choose a leader, who likes to sit in a palace where the air conditioner is very cold," he emphasized.
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Furthermore, Jokowi reminded the public to look for a future leader, who understands about Indonesia's diversity.
Indonesia has thousands of different tribes and regional languages along with adherents of different religions, he remarked.
"The most important aspect in managing a big country like Indonesia is what kind of a leader is needed? An Indonesian leader in leading Indonesia must be aware of Indonesia's diversity because we are diverse, because we are all different," he remarked.
The Organizing Committee Chairman of the United Nusantara was the President's Special Staff Aminuddin Ma'ruf, while Chairman of the Steering Committee (SC) of the event was Arsjad Rasjid, who is chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin).
Ma'ruf said the United Nusantara gathering was attended by some 150 thousand supporters of Jokowi from across the country.
General elections will be held in Indonesia in 2024 when President Jokowi will complete his second and final term of office.
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Translator: Melalusa SK, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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