"Today is no more the era of political clashes. Now is the era of competing with thoughts, contesting (elections based on) programs, and contesting (based on) ideas," he said here on Wednesday.
The President concurred with a statement made by the general chairperson of Crescent Star Party, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, that all parties must maintain unity and avoid sacrificing national interests for personal or group interests.
"Let's go hand in hand. If you win, win in an intelligent, polite, and friendly way," he remarked.
He advised party members to consistently help maintain political stability and security in the run-up to the 2024 elections because political and security issues often pose a risk to economic development.
This is because restoring things to a state of conduciveness is not easy, so Indonesia must always be ready to anticipate unpredictable situations, much like what is happening nowadays, he added.
"We expect that in the political contests for the presidential and legislative elections, I always (advise) not to use identity politics," the head of state said.
At the beginning of his speech, Widodo congratulated the party for becoming one of the parties that will take part in the 2024 elections.
He lauded them for their commitment to maintaining national unity.
"Earlier, Prof. Yusril said that the Crescent Star Party is synonymous with an Islamic party, but the Crescent Star Party members have nationalist spirit. Thank you, (values of) Islam and Indonesia have become the breath of the Crescent Star Party in life of party," he added.
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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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