Democracy Must Improve Peoples Welfare, President Jokowi Says
President Jokowi attends the opening of National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) of Perindo Party at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) on Wednesday (21/3). (Photo by: Bureau of Press and Media)
As main actors of democracy, political parties and politicians must show that democracy has to become the best mechanism to improve the welfare of people, to bring better lives, and to strengthen competitiveness of the nation, according to President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
The President made the statement in his remarks at the opening of National Leadership Meeting (Rapimnas) of the United Indonesia (Perindo) Party at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC), Wednesday (21/3).
“Our democracy must support good governance, address real problems faced by the people, alleviate poverty, create equal welfare, boost economic growth, and improve the nation’s competitiveness,” the President said.
President Jokowi stressed that elections which are held every five year – should ensure sustainability of the national development and should not interrupt development programs.
“Do not let local and national elections delay economic productivity and hamper the improvement of peoples welfare. Democracy process, especially local elections in 2018 and national elections in 2019, should not disrupt the momentum of national development,” the President continued.
On that occasion, the President also urged the contestants of the upcoming elections to uphold ethics and manners and to respect each other.
Our differences should not destroy our unity. We must respect different opinions and choices. We must uphold the principle of politeness, in line with our eastern values. Dont insult other people and dont spread lies and hate speeches, President Jokowi said.
Criticism is important in democracy and there is a big difference between criticism and defamation, the President added.
“Let us join hands to improve the quality of our democracy, improve the welfare of the people and safeguard constructive political freedoms, in line with our Indonesian culture,” President Jokowi concluded.
On that occasion, the President also invited Perindo Party and all political parties and politicians to deliver their best programs to compete in local elections, legislative elections and 2019 presidential election. All political parties, the President said, must show their platform on peoples welfare, economic development, and national unity to bring Indonesia into a developed country in the future.
Also present at the event were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Commander of Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahyanto, Member of Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) Agum Gumelar and Chairman of Perindo Party Hary Tanoesoedibjo. (BPMI/EN) (RI/EP/NASTER)
