Different Political References May Trigger Conflicts: President Jokowi

President Jokowi delivers his remarks at the 46th Anniversary of the United Development Party (PPP) at Ecovention Ocean Ecopark, Jakarta, Thursday (28/2). (Photo: Deny S/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded the danger and risks of different political references among citizens over the nation’s stability and harmony.

“Hoaxes and slanders that widely spread not only in social media but also in public spaces or even door to door have huge potential to divide our unity,” the President said at the 46th Anniversary of the United Development Party (PPP), at Ecovention Ocean Ecopark, Ancol Dreamland, North Jakarta, Thursday (28/2).

Hence, President Jokowi invited the people to respond and tackle the problem immediately. He also has ordered the Indonesian Police Chief to combat the issue by taking strict and legal actions to those who spread hoaxes.

During his remarks, the President explained that Indonesia consists of 714 tribes with different religions, customs, traditions, cultures, as well as regional languages. Those differences, he continued, may trigger conflicts.

President Jokowi then recalled President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani once shared story about his country which only has 7 tribes but very prone to conflict. “He suggested me to solve even the smallest tribal-conflict immediately,” President Jokowi said, adding that President Ghani also expressed his admiration towards Indonesia who can live harmoniously despite hundreds of tribes living in the country.

President Jokowi underlined that it is our duty to maintain the unity, harmony and brotherhood among citizens. “It is our collective responsibility,” he concluded. (FID/DNS/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana