Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Conferment of Ternate Sultanate’s Traditional Title “Dada Madopo Malomo”, at Ternate Sultanate Palace, Ternate City, North Maluku Province, September 28, 2022
Journalist
Mr. Jokowi, can you explain what is on the agenda today?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This morning, I received an honorary title from Sultan Hidayatullah Sjah of the Ternate Sultanate, the 49th Sultan of Ternate Sultan with the title of Dada Ma Dopo Malomo. We can ask the Sultan directly the meaning of the title. We must preserve customs, traditions, and local wisdom.
I praise the Ternate Sultanate’s efforts to maintain and foster customs, traditions, and local wisdom. This is what I often say about having a cultural identity.
Journalist
Sir, can you tell us the meaning of the title given to Mr. Jokowi?
The Sultan of Ternate (Hidayatullah Sjah)
The title means a great leader of a big country. In leading a big country, the wisdom of a leader is more prioritized. However, prior to receiving the traditional title, the President has also been crowned the Prince of the Ternate Sultanate with the title of Kaicil, meaning a prince or the first line of the Ternate Sultanate.
Journalist
Mr. Jokowi, since it has been the second honorary title you received, isn’t there something special for these past two days?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Once again, I said that it is critical to preserve and foster customs, traditions, and local wisdom everywhere we are. This is a large country full of local wisdom and rich in various customs and traditions. We must continue to maintain our diversity as a strength. The difference should not divide us, but unite us instead. (RIF/EP)