"When (we) diverted the fuel subsidies last November, I was warned it would risk my popularity. It was a risk, and (as it turns out,) there is no problem," Jokowi, as the president is fondly called, stated while attending a Jokowi Volunteers Community Jamboree at the Cibubur camping site here on Saturday.
The president remarked: "It admittedly hurts and I know that. Changes must be started with something that hurts. Many (people) cursed me. I come here prepared to lose my popularity. I am ready to be cursed. So please do not think that Jokowi is a coward."
"This is part of our work towards our middle- and long-term goals, and they all need sacrifice," he added.
The head of state further noted that although the economic challenges were tough, he was confident that economic growth this year would be better than that last year.
"If there is a jarring voice, it should be corrected. The goal is, in fact, like that. It will be seen in the end, or else it will spread a bad rumor," he pointed out.
On the occasion, Jokowis volunteers, who are grouped in the Jokowi Volunteers Community, made a five-point statement, which contained the need for the evaluation and strengthening of the cabinet and evaluation of policies that are not in line with the presidents Nawacita and Tri Sakti concepts, among others.
Nawacita is a Sanskrit term for nine national priority programs, and the Tri Sakti policy covers political sovereignty, economic independence and cultural dignity.
The statement also stressed the importance of ensuring economic development and acceleration of infrastructure development, which are carried out on the basis of self-supporting principles.
(A014/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(KR-BSR/S012)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
