President Jokowi: Elections are Not War, but Democratic Fiesta
President Jokowi attends a Dialog and Amicable Gathering with Balinese People and Community Leaders, at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, Denpasar, Bali Province, Friday (22/3). (Photo by: Oji/PR)
General Elections are not a war zone, but a democratic fiesta to choose the best leaders, according to President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
Since it is a democratic fiesta, we must heartily welcome it, President Jokowi said in a remarks during a Dialog and Amicable Gathering with Balinese People and Community Leaders, at the Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, Denpasar, Bali Province, Friday (22/3).
The Head of State, who was accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, reminded people that they must not spread threats because a fiesta should be welcomed with good civilized ethics and morality.
Do not spread hoaxes, lies, blasphemies that can destroy our unity, brotherhood, and solidarity, the President said.
President Jokowi went on to say that as a big country, we must face the future with optimism despite of many obstacles that might hinder us to become a great country and one of the worlds largest economies.
According to the President, Indonesia is predicted to become the worlds 4th most powerful economies in 2045. However, he reminded all that the road will never be easy, there must be challenges and obstacles.
That is why we must unite in order to solve all problems, the President added.
Regarding the General Elections, President Jokowi called on people to not split up because of political choices. He added that elections, be it for governor, regent, mayor, and president are held once every five years. We must not grow hostility among us just because of different political choices, the President said.
However, I believe Balinese people embraces the philosophy of Menyama Braya, whereby people of different faiths are treated as brothers and sisters and must help each others both in good times and in bad times, the President concluded.
Also attending the event were, among others, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster, and Mayor of Bali Ida Bagus Rai Dharmawijaya Mantra. (RSF/OJI/ES)
Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani
