President Jokowi Stresses Importance of Education for Youths
President Jokowi when attending National Dharma Santi Silent Day Celebration at Ahmad Yani Sports Hall, Cilangkap, Jakarta Saturday (7/4). (Photo: PR/Rahmat)
Awareness of the importance of science and technology to achieve life glory is not only an inspiration for Hindus but also for Indonesia, according to President Joko Jokowi Widodo.
The President made the statement on National Dharma Santi Silent Day Celebration, Saka New Year 1940 at Ahmad Yani Sports Hall, National Armed Forces (TNI) Headquarters, Cilangkap, Jakarta, Saturday (7/4).
President Jokowi mentioned that Silent Day celebration this year is a very special for Hindus because it coincides with Saraswati Holy Day Day of Knowledge.
“While in silent day, Hindu people are doing self-contemplation, sharpen the mind to cleanse themselves and the universe; then on Saraswati Holy Day, Hindu people are asked to realize the importance of science and education to achieve life glory because knowledge is the highest wealth, “said the President.
As a great nation, President Jokowi asked Indonesians to not to be lulled by the grace of God with the abundant natural resources. Instead, the President added, Indonesia must create good quality human beings that become the countrys strength, excellence, and foundation to face the future.
“I invite all Hindu people everywhere to prepare for any challenges, to welcome the fourth industrial revolution, and to welcome the technological innovations that change rapidly,” the President said.
Furthermore, President Jokowi said that global challenges require Hindu people in particular and Indonesian people in general to be more intelligent, creative, and innovative in responding changes.
“These are challenges that we cannot avoid and must be answered with improvement of quality and productivity. We need to prepare good quality of education to the young generation to help them face the future, ” the President added.
On that occasion, President Jokowi also expressed his belief that Hindu people should take lessons from holy day of Silent Day and Saraswati and also should welcome the new year with new spirit spirit to always improve self-quality, more productive, and use science to achieve life glory.
“The celebration of Silent Day also inspires us all to always keep harmony as a path to happiness. In Tri Hita Karana scripture of Hindus people are taught that devotion to God must be realized by maintaining harmonious relationship with fellow human beings as well as natural environment, ” the President said, adding that Hindus are asked to always emphasize the importance of brotherhood.
President Jokowi also maintained that Indonesia is blessed with diversity with different religions, ethnicities, and languages in more than 17,000 islands. Those differences, according the President, should not become a barrier to be unite and live in harmony. The difference should also not become barrier for mutual respect, mutual help, and to build solid solidarity, the President added.
“Our nation will stand strong if we are united. We will unite to face ignorance, poverty, and other challenges to make our country turn a developed country which can compete with other countries,” the President concluded.
Also present at the event, Speaker of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) Oesman Sapta Odang, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Minister of Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises AAGN Puspayoga, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, and Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto. (UN/EN) (STU/EP/Naster)
