Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia after the Flag Lowering Ceremony in the Nusantara Capital City, Penajam Paser Utara Regency, East Kalimantan Province, August 17, 2024

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, thank God, starting from last night’s Holy Reflection, then this morning and afternoon, and this afternoon’s flag lowering ceremony, thank God, everything went smoothly, everything went well. The weather was also very favorable. When we took a break, it was raining, so the atmosphere was cool and not hot, the atmosphere of the ceremony became very solemn. And on this auspicious occasion, once again, I would like to wish all my fellow citizens a happy 79th Anniversary of Independence.

Journalist

Sir, regarding your attire, sir, there is something different this year, where previously in the afternoon you wore a suit, but for today you wear traditional attire in the morning, then in the afternoon you also wear traditional attire again.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, because it has been prepared by the State Secretariat. I just wear it.

Journalist

Mr. Jokowi, on this year’s Indonesian Independence Day, there are no former presidents present, such as Mr. SBY and Mrs. Mega?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, because they also have very important activities in different places. I think we have to respect them because they also celebrated Independence Day in Jakarta [and] in Pacitan. I think celebrating anywhere is the same.

Journalist

Mr. Jokowi, today’s ceremony went well, what about next year, sir? Is there a possibility here too or what?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Oh, next year, ask the President-Elect, Mr. Prabowo Subianto.

Journalist

How about it, can you tell us, Mr. Prabowo?

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)

Inshallah, I will be here again.

Journalist

Two locations or what, sir? At the State Palace, IKN and at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta or what? Or just focus here, sir?

Minister of Defense (Prabowo Subianto)

Yes, we’ll see, but the point is, the ceremony is here.

Journalist

For equitable development, sir, what is the hope for the future, sir? If the community hopes that there is IKN, it means that development will be more evenly distributed.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

For the future, please ask the president-elect, Mr. Prabowo Subianto.

Journalist

But what is the hope, sir? To build the sustainability of its development, what is the hope?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Yes, this is a big country. Indonesia is a big country. It needs equal distribution in all regions, east, center, west, everything must receive the same cake. So ten years ago, I said, not Java-centric, but Indonesia-centric, not from the center, but building from the periphery, building from the village, building from the outermost region. For future designs, the next five years, the next ten years, please ask Mr. Prabowo Subianto.

Journalist

Sir, (regarding) Flag Raising Squad being banned from wearing a headscarf, sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

We must respect diversity, we must respect diversity, because Indonesia is a big country with different tribes, different races, different religions, different customs. So, it cannot be uniformed. And that difference is a gift that we should be grateful for. Diversity is something that we should be grateful for, for unity, not for differences.

(APN/MUR)