President Jokowi: Indonesia Must Uphold Unity in Diversity

President Jokowi conducts a dialogue with several Village Heads at the opening of the 2018 National Coordination Meeting on Administration of Village, Central and Regional Governments, at D-2 Hall, JI-Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Monday (14/5). (Photo: JAY/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded that Indonesia is a large country, with 260 million people spread over 17,000 islands, from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas Island to Rote Island.

“We have 714 tribes with more than 1,100 local languages. We also have different customs as well as traditions,” said President Jokowi in his remarks at the opening of the 2018 National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) on Administration of Village, Central and Regional Governments, at D-2 Hall, JI-Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, Monday (14/5).

The President added that this is the grace of God for Indonesia: a diverse country that unites as the Republic of Indonesia.

“We have 514 cities and regencies, 34 provinces, and 74,957 villages,” President Jokowi said, adding that Indonesia is indeed a big and plural country.

“This is what we have to explain to our people,” President Jokowi emphasized.

The President then made a comparison with Singapore which only has 4 (four) tribes, or Afghanistan which only has 7 (seven) tribes, while Indonesia has 714 tribes.

“This is your job to explain to the people that we are a diverse and multicultural nation, with different tribes, religions, traditions, customs, and local languages,” President Jokowi told the audience.

Do Not Separate

President Jokowi once again emphasized that we should keep reminding all people about our differences.

“Therefore, our unity should not be broken due to different choice on national or regional election,” said the President. “Different choice is common in democracy,” he further said.

“We can have different choice of Regent, Mayor, Governor, or President but one thing that has to be borne in mind is we are still brothers,” the President added.

He asserted, this nation will suffer a great loss if we fight over political differences.

“We should teach and give example to the people about maturity, ethics, and politeness in politics. This is your job,” the President asked.

This National Coordination Meeting was attended by elected Village Heads from all over Indonesia, local village facilitators, representatives of the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), echelon I officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Head of Social Security Provider Body for Health (BPJS).

Also attending the event were Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Villages, the Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Eko Putro Sandjojo, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung. (FID / JAY / ES) (STU/MMB/Naster)