Indonesian Press Drives Nation’s Progress: President Jokowi

The press is the “locomotive” of Indonesia’s progress that strengthens the country to become an advanced nation, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“The Indonesian press is the locomotive for the nation’s progress and the inspiration for making progress, pushing changes in all sectors of our lives and boosting confidence of the people to realize an advanced Indonesia,” the President said in his virtual remarks on the 2022 National Press Day, Wednesday (02/09).

According to the President, the Government continues to undertake major transformation in various sectors, including in human resource development.

Regarding increase in added values, the Head of State reiterated that Indonesia is committed to downstreaming mining industry sector and agricultural sector.

“The Government has proven that downstreaming creates more and more jobs and the added values bring impacts on our national industries,” he said.

The strengthening of the added values, the President added, is also carried out in transformation of digital economy and energy sectors, adding that the transformation is in line with the Government’s commitment to developing green economy that will contribute to solving environmental problems at the global level.

The President also underscored that in carrying out the great work of transforming the nation, the Government still has many shortcomings and limitations.

To that end, the Government, he added, is open to input from members of the press so that the Government’s measures can be properly executed and bring changes to Indonesia’s progress.

“Criticism, inputs and support from members of the press are very, very important as a reminder for any shortcomings, needs for improvement, and slow progress or as a token of appreciation for what has been going well so that all levels of government from the central level to the regional and village levels work with the same commitment, the same vision for our country, for an advanced Indonesia,” the President added.

The President also reminded the press that it has a big task during the Indonesia’s G20 presidency this year.

“We can make the best use of the precious opportunity by spreading good news, showing our resilience, strength, cohesiveness, unity, mutual cooperation, and solidarity, all of which are the important factor in tackling the pandemic,” he remarked. (FID/UN) (RI/EP)