President Calls for State Institution to Function Cohesively

Jakarta, (Antara) - President Joko Widodo has called for state institutions to function cohesively in order to realize a prosperous, just, and affluent Indonesia as mandated in the 1945 Constitution.

"I fully understand that every state institution has a role as mandated by the constitution. But, cohesive functioning among state institutions is indispensable in the struggle to realize the promise of independence as set forth in the Preamble to the 1945 Constitution," the president stated here in a plenary session in the context of the Annual Session of People's Consultative Assembly 2015 on Friday.

The president, well known as Jokowi, pointed out that Indonesia is now in a state of "war." He explained that it is not a physical war as fought by the heroes of the freedom struggle, but a war to win peace, prosperity, and a happy life for the people," he remarked.

Jokowi remarked that the war can be won for the benefit of the people if all elements, especially state institutions, of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia become united and not let their egos come in the way.

"Together, we should strengthen political sovereignty, economic independence, and our cultural diversity," Jokowi affirmed.

The Trisakti (the three principles first formulated by Indonesia's first president) should be our primary strategy in curbing the efforts of other nations to undermine the sovereignty, prosperity, and the character of the Indonesian nation, he emphasized.

According to the president, a wide opportunity exists for Indonesia to become a developed and prosperous country, taking into account its social and economic capital.

Indonesia has a vast population and a creative, growing middle class, democratic political system, and a moderate Muslim society. It has become the 16th economic power in the world, with a gross domestic product of about Rp10 thousand trillion.

"With hard work, optimism, and bringing about a positive change in the consumer's mindset, we will be able to uphold our dignity among the nations of the world," the president affirmed.

In order to accelerate the realization of a just and prosperous nation, Indonesia will require the support of its people, whose progress is largely determined by the performance of state institutions who should function in a cohesive manner. This will strengthen the presidential system and will make the government more stable, Jokowi emphasized.

"Thus, the government will be able to protect the entire Indonesian nation, promote general welfare and the intellectual life of the nation, and participate in implementing world order based on freedom, lasting peace, and social justice," Jokowi added.(*)