"I would like to urge all local leaders across Indonesia, including district heads and mayors, against mobilizing schoolchildren when I visit your regions," he remarked during the inauguration of the Kabanaran Bridge in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.
Although he expressed appreciation for people’s enthusiasm in welcoming him, the president noted that he is concerned about the health and comfort of schoolchildren if they have to wait for long periods under scorching heat.
"On one hand, I am impressed by the enthusiasm, but on the other hand, I feel sorry for schoolchildren for having to stand for a long time in the heat," he affirmed.
He then instructed Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya to prepare a circular letter discouraging district heads and mayors from involving schoolchildren in staging ceremonial activities for him.
Prabowo also emphasized that such practices can be counterproductive to children’s studies, as their learning hours are interrupted when they are taken out of classrooms to participate in welcome ceremonies.
"Let them stay in their schools. After all, they can see me on TV if they want, and I can simply visit them in classrooms if I were to check on them," he stated.
The president added that he is always excited to meet citizens directly, especially children, noting that their enthusiasm provides him with a morale boost. However, he reiterated that schoolchildren should not be burdened with ceremonial duties.
On that note, he voiced hope that all district heads and mayors will heed his call to avoid exposing children to potential risks linked to ceremonial receptions.
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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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