VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo delivered a State Address in connection with the 74th Independence Day on Friday at the Indonesian Parliament Building, Jakarta. In his speech, President Joko Widodo conveyed Indonesia's readiness at the age of 74 to face the era of global openness. However, according to him, the readiness is accompanied by vigilance, both against foreign ideologies that threaten the state ideology as well as against foreign cultures that are not in line with local wisdom. In addition, President Joko Widodo also stated Indonesia's readiness in facing global competition, world competition that will be faced with the creativity, innovation and speed of the Indonesian nation.

"Indonesia is not afraid of competition. We face competition with the creativity, innovation, and the pace we have. Because there is no other choice, we must change. The old ways that are not competitive cannot be continued. New strategies must be created. New ways must be done. We don’t just say that we are better than before. But we must be better than the others. Once again, it is not enough to be better than before. But we must be better than the others," said Joko Widodo.

Furthermore, in his second speech before the House of Representatives (DPR), People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and Regional Representative Council (DPD) Session, President Joko Widodo, who was wearing Sasak traditional outfit from West Nusa Tenggara Province, conveyed the importance of encouraging investment into Indonesia. In the midst of global competition where the whole world is fighting over market and investment influences, President Joko Widodo also underlined the importance of investment to create jobs that will benefit the nation.

"In a tight global competition fighting over the influence of the market scrambling for investment. We have to be faster and better than other countries. We must be faster and better than neighboring countries. Investment must open new jobs, must benefit our nation," said President.

To be able to reach all of that, President Joko Widodo encouraged all parties to move quickly, not just stepping up but jumping, to seize all the available opportunities. (VOI/NDY/AHM)