President Jokowi Attends 2017 Jember Fashion Carnival

President Jokowi attends the 2017 Jember Fashion (JFC) in Jember, East Java, Sunday (13/8). (Photo by: Public Relations Division/Agung)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (Jokowi) on Sunday (13/8) attended the Jember Fashion Carnival (JFC) held at Jember city square in Jember Regency, East Java on Sunday (13/8).

This year’s event is the 16^th edition of the annual carnival.

When walking from Jember Regency administration center to the city square, President Jokowi was enthusiastically welcomed by the locals to shake hands with the President.

In his remarks, the President said that he was very pleased to be in the city to attend the event. According to the President, the event has not only become an icon for the city of Jember, but also has become an icon that gives pride for Indonesia.

“This carnival is as interesting and creative and fun-filled as carnivals done in other countries such as Pasadena carnival in the United States, Rio de Janeiro carnival in Brazil, or Noting Hill carnival in Berlin,” the President said.

According to the President, this is an event that is well planned, well organized and held in detail.

“I want that other cities in Indonesia can also have their own unique carnivals that become a routine art events that have their own event calendars like this Jember Fashion Carnival because Indonesia’s cultural diversity is our strength and our edge among other nations,” the President said.

President Jokowi also hopes that that Jember Fashion Carnival can also be supported by Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Education and it can be held in Jakarta or other cities in Indonesia by still maintaining the city of Jember as the icon.

This year’s JFC adopts the theme Victory Unity in Diversity.

The event has 10 unique themes that represent the journey of JFC in achieving international recognition, namely Sriwijaya Empire, Bali, King of Papua, Mystical Toraja, Siger Crown Lampung, Borneo, Chronicle of Borobudur, Mythical Toraja, Wonderful of Betawi and Unity in Diversity.

Also attending the event were Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya, Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, and Governor of East Java Soekarwo. (FID/AGG/ES) (EP/YM/Naster)