Jokowi: Fighters Dismiss SARA Issue to Achieve Independence

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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB

Indonesia's President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo delivers his state of the nation address ahead of the country's Independence Day at the parliament building in Jakarta, Aug. 16, 2018. Jokowi urged his country to embrace its founding spirit of tolerance in an annual national address just days after choosing a divisive cleric as his running mate in elections next year. AP

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi said Indonesia could achieve independence because the fighters were able to eliminate the differences between them.

“At that time, they got rid of the differences in political, ethnicity, religion, and race (SARA) issues in order to achieve independence for Indonesia,” he said through his official Facebook account, Friday, August 17.

Jokowi said that the 73rd Independence of Indonesia must be a moment to commemorate the spirit of Indonesia's unity, which had been proven by the nation’s freedom fighters.

“In the unity of Indonesia, the fighters found solidarity, caring, and also the spirit of sharing among the people of the nation,” he said.

The president explained that if the people are willing to keep the the spirit of unity, Indonesia would be respected by other nations.

President Jokowi called on the people of Indonesia to be optimistic and have a desire to build harmony and unity.

“We must give more portions to harmony, unity, because of political and security stability are the most fundamental assets in developing this country,” he said.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI