Abandon Old Ways, Make Leap of Progress, President Jokowi Says

President Joko Widodo delivers remarks through a virtual broadcast at the Gerindra Party Congress, Saturday (8/8). (Photo by: BPMI)

Countries worldwide are facing uncertainties due to the pandemic and economic impact the pandemic brings, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

The President also said that more than 18 million people across the globe have been contracted by COVID-19 that led to deep fallout in global economy.

However, the President, added, amid the current situation, Indonesia, which is known as a warrior nation, must be able to overcome the problem on its own.

The problems faced by at least 215 countries must be used as a momentum for transformation of the nation’s progress, he added.

“It is not enough for us just to get out of the crisis, but it is time for us to transform. It is time to abandon  old ways, raising one’s own strength, and making leaps of progress,” the President said through a virtual broadcast at the Gerindra Party Congress, Saturday (8/8).

The ongoing health and economic crises, the President continued, provide many valuable lessons for the country and against all the existing deficiencies, the country can fix them.

Regarding everything that is still running slowly, it must be accelerated, he added.

The Head of State also expressed belief that the Indonesian people have very strong capabilities and basic assets to stand on their own feet and tackle those problems together.

The country’s population with a large productive age becomes a productive force for the state that must be capitalized on, he added.

“It’s time for us to see the strength of our country to make a leap of progress,” he said, while reiterating that the ability to withstand health and economic crises very much depends on the struggle that we carry out ourselves.

“We must be able to solve our own problems, in our own way, and in our ability to achieve national interests and realize the aspiration of our nation. This spirit is what we must continue to encourage amid this trying time,” he said. (BPMI/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas