President Jokowi: Difference of Opinions is Common

President Jokowi shakes hands with a participant at Rapimnas Democratic Party of the Year 2018 at SICC, Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Saturday (10/3). (Photo by: Buerau of Press and Media).

There are two extremely important matters that must be remembered in politics: building political maturity, ethics, manners and politeness and building democracy that brings greater prosperity for the people, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Those two things are our main agenda in our political development,” the President said in his remarks at the 2018 National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) Democratic Party at Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor Regency, West Java Province, Saturday (10/3).

The President also hopes that in the contestation during regional head election (Pilkada), legislative election (Pileg) and presidential election (Pilpres) everyone will uphold ethics and courtesy, respect each other and refrain from ridiculing each other but engaging in competition of ideas and programs instead.

“Different opinions are common but we must uphold Eastern customs of politeness and courtesy. Unity and companionship should always come first,” President Jokowi said, adding that politicians should set an example to the people and the younger generation.

President Jokowi further said that, democracy must also side with the people, create good governance and improve efficiency. In addition, the President also said that democracy must be supported by policy innovation for the sake of the national development.

All of those, the President continued, is aimed at winning global competition, alleviating poverty, increasing equality of welfare and improving social justice for all people of Indonesia.

“On this auspicious occasion, I urge the big family of the Democratic Party to join hands with us to realize our common goals,” the President concluded.

Also attending the event were sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia who is also Chairman of Democratic Party Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Ani Yudhoyono, former Vice President of Republic of Indonesia Boediono, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto and Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (GWH/EP/Naster)