TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo offered a public apology for mistakes made during his presidency. Speaking at a national dhikr and prayer event held at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday, August 1, as part of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day celebrations, he acknowledged the shortcomings of his administration for the past decade.

Jokowi will end his second and final term of office in October 2024 and will be succeeded by President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who currently serves as Defense Minister.

“Professor Kiai Haji Ma'ruf Amin and I sincerely apologize for any mistakes we may have made while carrying out the people’s mandate as the president and vice president,” he said.

He also emphasized the impossibility of pleasing everyone, admitting his human fallibility. “We cannot please everyone. I’m not perfect. I’m an ordinary human being. Perfection belongs to Allah alone,” he remarked.

Despite challenges and global uncertainties, the former governor of Jakarta highlighted Indonesia’s progress and urged unity among the nation.

The dhikr and prayer event was attended by 3,163 participants, including government officials, religious leaders, and community representatives.

It is worth noting that Tempo Magazine recently published a report detailing multiple sins in Jokowi's ten-year presidency, including alleged democratic backsliding and unfulfilled campaign promises.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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