President Jokowi : I am a Democrat
President Jokowi in 2018 Democrat Party National Leader Meeting, at Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor, Saturday (10/3). (Photo: BPMI)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo questions why some people consider him an authoritarian. In fact, he is a democratic, not an authoritarian, the President said.
I wonder why. I do not look like an authoritarian at all. I dont look frightening. I always smile. I am not an authoritarian. I am a democrat, President Jokowi said in his remarks at the 2018 Democrat Party National Leader Meeting at SICC, Saturday (10/3).
The President reminded that a democratic person always respect others opinions and differences and thinks he fits the criteria.
It means that Pak SBY (Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono Leader of the Democratic Party) and I have something in common. But Pak SBY has one more thing the leader of the Democrat Party, he said, followed by applause from thousands of Democrat Party members in the hall.
On a lighter note, President Jokowi said he needs thorough preparation whenever he is invited to any Democrat Party event, especially in terms of attire to don. When attending Democrat Party Congress in Surabaya in 2015, for example, the President admitted he had prepared everything half day before. According to the President, when it comes to appearance, he is left behind SBY.
Until now, I feel I am still left behind Pak SBY when it comes to the way of dressing up, President Jokowi jokingly said.
The President felt the same when he was invited to Democrat Party National Leader Meeting this time. I prepared from early in the morning, (deciding) which suit and tie to wear. I had to guess what Pak SBY would wear, he said.
The President also feels the same way for Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), SBYs first son. I havent finished (catching up) with Pak SBY (in terms of appearance), and now I have to compete with AHY. This is even harder. He is young, good looking, and very well dressed. Its even harder for me to compete (with him). For those reasons, I need to think very carefully before meeting those two, President Jokowi added, followed by laughter from the audience. (BPMI Setpres/ ES) (STU/EP/Naster)
