Indonesia Has to Catch up with Other Nations, President Jokowi Says

Working Cabinet ministers attend the State Address on the Occasion of the 73rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia before the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia, at Nusantara Building, Jakarta, Thursday (16/8). (Photo by: PR Division/Oji)

Despite the many achievements in the commemoration of the 73^rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded all that we cannot afford to become complacent.

“Indonesia has to catch up with other nations that have moved faster than we have in achieving progress,” President Jokowi said in his State Address on the Occasion of the 73^rd Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia before the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia, at Nusantara Building, Jakarta, Thursday (16/8).

The President asserted that Indonesia has to become an advanced nation that can be on a par with other developed countries in the world. Indonesia must become a sovereign, dignified nation respected by other countries in the world.

For this reason, the President added, Indonesia has to strengthen its foundation and gather energy to make a big leap for advancement, and has to be bold in making breakthroughs to leap forward.

“We have to be bold in drawing up policies which results are not only to be enjoyed now, but would accelerate our steps forward,” the President firmly said.

President Jokowi carried on that we must not be trapped in a short-term pragmatism that would slow down our steps in the future. He also added that we must not be trapped in the status as a middle-income country.

“We must not be stuck by a middle-income trap. Instead, we must be able to transform into a developed country, to become a developed Indonesia,” President Jokowi said.

Also on that occasion, President Jokowi explained that what we did yesterday and what we are doing now is not merely the solution to today’s problems or to address problems that may arise in one or two years to come. However, all will become part of that great leap to respond to our problems in the future.

The President mentioned that the U-16 Indonesian Football National Team which won the ASEAN Football Federation tournament on 11 August is the future of Indonesian football.

“They are the future of Indonesia,” the President firmly said.

According of the President, the seeds of hope for the glory of Indonesia will grow day by day. More Indonesian boys and girls will be waving the Red and White flag on the international stage.

Glorious achievement that brings us pride that were made by Indonesian boys and girls in various world class competitions such as in science and technology competitions, in Al-quran memorization contests, art and cultural festivals, sport competitions, and many other competitions.

“We successfully grabbed prestigious positions,” President Jokowi said adding that those young generations must be supported by a favorable ecosystem so that they can give a bigger contribution for a progressive Indonesia.

In that event, President Jokowi invited the entire nation to always maintain optimism, to mutually share, to be brave in making breakthroughs, and to always pursue achievement through mutual cooperation.

“Insha Allah, the huge works that we have undertaken will become our prayers, will become the devotion of the entire people of the Land of Pancasila, will become our nation’s achievement, and bring about social justice for the entire people of Indonesia,” the President concluded.

Also attending the Joint Session of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia were the Third President of the Republic of Indonesia BJ Habibie, the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri, First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and his spouse Ibu Mufidah Jusuf Kalla, speakers and members of the House of Representatives and the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia, chairpersons, vice chairpersons of State Institutions, Working Cabinet ministers,  heads of Non-Ministerial Institutions, and ambassadors of friendly countries. (DNA/GUN/OJI/AGG/ES) (RAS/MMB/Naster)