President Jokowi Attends National CNY Celebration

President talks with Susi Susanti during National Chinese New Year Celebration with theme “Unite for Advanced Indonesia” at ICE BSD, Tangerang, Thursday (30/1). (Photo: Anggun/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo attended a National Chinese New Year Celebration in Tangerang on Thursday (30/1).

On that occasion, the President had a light conversation with the first Indonesian Olympic gold medalist in badminton Susi Susanti, who is a Chinese descent.

The President asked the former athlete about her experience while struggling for the nation during international badminton competition including the Olympic.

“I would like to hear your experience before and after winning a gold medal in the Olympic,” President Jokowi asked Susi.

Susi then shared her journey to become a remarkable athlete, including training hard for 8-9 hours a day. She added that her success was also due to full support from the then Chairman of Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) Try Sutrisno. She also described her emotion and pride when she heard the national anthem Indonesia Raya was echoed and the national flag was hoisted after the competition.

Other than Susi Susanti, President Jokowi also mentioned several outstanding badminton players who have gained international recognition, such as Alan Budikusuma, Kevin Sanjaya, Markus, Candra Wijaya, Butet, Jonatan Cristhie, and more.

On that occasion, the President cited an example on how Chinese descents are also well-known for their skills in business and trade. “Chinese descents are famous for their hardworking ethic and strong skills in business,” President Jokowi said. (RF/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Lulu Wuliarti