Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Commemoration of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, August 17, 2023

Journalists
What traditional outfit are you wearing today, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is Ageman Songkok Singkepan Ageng, from the Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace.

Journalists
What is the reason, sir? What does it mean, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You may ask my team.

Journalists
Any particular reason for choosing this outfit, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo) 
Well, I’m wearing outfits representing regions from the West to the East, and everything in between, there is a team that selects the outfit, not me.

Journalists
Is this the last commemoration of Indonesian Independence Day in Jakarta, sir? Next year at New Capital of Nusantara (IKN), sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo) 
Yes, God willing, next year, God willing, it will be in IKN. We’ll see. I’m optimistic.

Journalists
Sir, any wishes? Sir, any message for the people of Indonesia on this day, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo) 
Well, as we saw at the Palace, this diversity is demonstrated by various traditional outfits that we wear. And, yes, this is actually the strength of our country. The strength of Indonesia is in the unity of diversity. So, if we are united, solid, and in harmony, that is the great strength of Indonesia. All right. That’s it.

Journalists
Thank you, sir.

(FI/MUR)