Stop Blaming Each Other, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi with inter-faith figures who are the members of Indonesia Inter-Religious Harmony Forum Association, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (23/5) (Photo: PR/Agung)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo reminded that Indonesia is a big country. For example, in 1977, when Jagorawi toll road to Bogor was constructed, there are not many countries had this kind of road. There are a lot of countries learned from Indonesia, like Malaysia.

“But now, after 40 years, Indonesia’s toll road is only 780 kilometers. Other countries, that previously learned from us, for example China has built 280,000 kilometers,” President Jokowi said when meeting the inter-faith figures from Indonesia Inter-Religious Harmony Forum Association, at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Tuesday (23/5) afternoon. According to the President, it happens because Indonesian people waste their energy to unnecessary and unimportant things.

“In the 70s, Indonesia sent many teachers to Malaysia. Malaysian teachers also came here to study in our Teaching Institutions. However, now, we are left behind, the President added. Therefore, the President invited these inter-faith figures to realize and understand that there is something that needs to be fixed.

The President added that he was surprised seeing the development of shipping industry in South Korea.

“In 1972, we already built a ship, while they just started to built it in 1973. Now, they build a submarine and Indonesia orders from them. Indonesia is left far behind them,” the President said.

The President thought that national work ethich and discipline must be improved since now so Indoneisa can compete with other countries.

“Once again, don’t wastet our energy to insult, slander, and blame each other. Stop.” The President firmly said.

The President invited all to think positively and think for our nation’s future so Indonesia is able to catch up with other countries.

On that occasion, the President also asked the inter-faith figures to resolve any conflict though it is not really serious.

“Don’t wait until tomorrow, or 2-3 more days. Resolve it when the conflict is not too serious. Remind the people involved that we are brothers,” the President further said. Indonesia is diverse but all Indonesia people are brothers.

“Should anything happens in the region, please inform the Government. However, if it can be handled by the regional government, please do so,” the President said. The President believes that these figures are able to resolve the conflicts in the region.

Also attending the event were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. (DNA/UN/DND/ES) (MMB/YM/Naster)