"I think it is not a matter of who is the (next) president, as I believe that the most important question is whether the leader will have the courage to continue what we have started. This requires valor," he said.
According to a statement released by the press bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, the President made the remarks during a meeting with the editors-in-chief of several mass media agencies at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Thursday.
He stressed that the next leader must possess strong courage and be consistent since Indonesia will likely face even tougher challenges and pressures in the future.
"The country needs a leader who has valor, courage, and not to mention, consistency. It should be noted that consistency requires endurance," he said while highlighting the downstreaming policy, adding that such a brave policy will invite strong pressure from many quarters.
In this context, he cited the lawsuit filed and won by the European Union against Indonesia's decision to stop exporting nickel ore.
"Such a lawsuit will not make us waver," he stressed.
The sustainability of the policy could have an impact on the national economy, so the country needs a leader who will have the courage to sustain its implementation, he added.
The President then expressed optimism that Indonesia will transform into a developed country if it manages to continue downstreaming its mineral resources over the next few years.
"If we are consistently downstreaming for the next 15 years, I believe that our income per capita will hit a figure above US$10 thousand, thereby making Indonesia categorized as a developed country," he said.
During the meeting, President Widodo was accompanied by State Secretary Minister Pratikno.
Related news: No country can stop Indonesia's downstreaming policy: Jokowi
Related news: President highlights importance of downstreaming in boosting economy
Related news: Meeting with President to clarify on halting LNG exports: Minister
Translator: Indra Arief, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
