President Jokowi: Let’s Welcome 2021 with Optimism, Hope

Source: Twitter account @Jokowi

We are welcoming the new year of 2021 with stronger steps, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

2020 has been a year full of challenges and uncertainties, particularly due to the global pandemic that has put the order of human life to the test not only in Indonesia but throughout the world as well, he added.

“Today, we’re entering 2021 with stronger steps. The lessons and sacrifices for months during the pandemic have made us better prepared,” said the President in his personal Facebook account on Friday (1/1).

He went on to say that the Government will carry out mass vaccination of COVID-19 for the public this year.

In this effort, Indonesia has secured vaccine supplies from a number of producers, namely Sinovac, Novavax, AstraZeneca, and BioNTech-Pfizer, he added.

“At the same time, the Government continues the social protection program in the forms of a basic food card program, the Family Hope Program, cash assistance, pre-employment cards, Village Funds, and electricity discounts for those in need,” he said.

Furthermore, the President said that in 2021 the Government will also continue to develop infrastructure and human capital.

“We disburse a large budget for the construction of dams and irrigation networks, roads, railways, airports, and flats throughout Indonesia,” he said.

The President also expressed belief that Indonesia will be able to rise to become an advanced country.

“With all these efforts, and with the support of all people, together we’re starting this new year with great enthusiasm and hope. We’ll go through these difficult times and rise to realize an advanced Indonesia that we aspire to be,” he said. (UN) (EST/MUR)