President Jokowi Calls for Unity Ahead of 2024 Elections

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo Tuesday called for unity among all parties to prevent social conflict and friction in the run-up to the 2024 General Elections.

"I entrust (this message) that we must maintain political stability, okay? We must prevent any friction; avoid it. We must prevent any conflict; avoid it. We must prevent anyone from pitting one against another," Jokowi said during a gathering with the Dayak people in Pontianak, West Kalimantan.

Speaking to participants at the Bahaupm Bide Bahana Tariu Borneo Bangkule Rajakng (TBBR) gathering, the President urged all parties to be mindful of possible areas of friction ahead of the 2024 elections.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining security and stability to help ensure economic development.

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Indonesia's 714 ethnic groups must continue to live in harmony, and the diversity of the nation’s people must not be neglected, he said, adding that all parties must prevent any conflict and friction at all costs.

"Our differences are not dividing our country. Differences are our strengths. Differences are not weakening us; it strengthens us," he said.

The Dayak people, with their hundreds of sub-groups, exemplify Indonesia's diversity, the President highlighted.

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He then urged all people, particularly future leaders, to maintain Indonesia's diversity and promote national unity.

"I could not memorize all of Dayak people's 406 sub-groups. What is implied from this? It means that our country is vast. We sometimes neglect this, but what is important is that whoever will become our leader in the future must understand that Indonesia is a diverse country," he said.

The President also lauded the participants of the TBBR forum for their keen interest in maintaining the Dayak culture, which is a part of the national identity. National culture must be preserved together and not be neglected, he said.

Source: State News Antara