"The most important thing after the election ended is unity, for the country and the nation that we love," he spoke while addressing Indonesian CEOs at the Kompas 100 CEO Forum in the new capital city (IKN) Nusantara, East Kalimantan, as accessed from a broadcast video on Thursday.
Jokowi initially responded to the business world's concerns regarding IKN development that would be affected by the election and the presence of a new Indonesian leader. The president then stated that IKN was an investment for the future and sustainability of the nation.
"For those who are still worried about IKN's future, we already have a law regulating IKN's development backed by 93 percent of parties at the House of Representatives (DPR). What are you afraid of?" he questioned.
He also reminded that Indonesia had been through several elections, namely in 2009, 2014, and 2019. He believes it was normal for the elections to get a bit heated.
"The tension is getting hotter ahead of the election. That is okay. Most importantly, do not provoke the tension. We are getting more mature in democracy, so differences are normal," he revealed.
The president stated that choices and sovereignty lie in the hands of the people. Irrespective of who the contestants are, it is the public that will ultimately make the choice.
"It is the people who choose (the leaders). The sovereignty also lies in their hands. The people's choice and competition in elections are normal. Businessmen do not need to get into politics. You might make a wrong choice," he reminded.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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