President Jokowi Meets Papuan Elementary School Students

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo answers questions from elementary school students at the Cendrawasih Ballroom, Swiss-Belhotel, Jayapura city, Papua province, Friday (07/07). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Laily Rachev)

During his working visit to Papua province, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Friday (7/7) met with a number of elementary school students at Cendrawasih Ballroom, Swiss-Belhotel, Jayapura city.

Several students demonstrated their fast calculation skills for basic math before the President. Afterwards, he gave the students an opportunity to ask questions directly.

One of student representatives from Sorong city, Kesia Olivia Ergor, asked a startling question.

“Why isn’t the new capital just moved to Papua?” she asked.

“Well, Indonesia is very big, from Papua to Aceh, from Sabang to Merauke. It is very large,” the President said.

Therefore, Kalimantan island was chosen as the location for the new capital because it is located in the middle of Indonesia so it is accessible for people living in the western, eastern, northern, and southern parts of Indonesia.

“If it is located in the eastern part of the country, in Papua for example, those who want to visit Papua from Aceh will take nine hours by plane because it is way too far. It may take weeks if they go by ship,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also expressed appreciation for the enthusiasm of the Papuan elementary school students.

“These students in Papua are smart and brave. To all my children here, I thank you for coming this morning. Everyone should keep up the spirit of learning and get home safely,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RIF/MMB)