Jokowi: Be Careful in Choosing a Leader in 2024, It Will Determine Whether Indonesia Will Leap Forward or Not

Dream - President Jokowi advised the public to be careful in choosing the future leaders of Indonesia. Because the elected leader will greatly determine the economic progress of Indonesia.

"I want to convey, I repeat everywhere, leadership in 2024, national leadership in 2024, in 2029, in 2034, will greatly determine whether Indonesia will leap forward or not," said Jokowi, as quoted from Liputan6.com, Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

"So be careful in choosing our leader. Who? Who do we choose? Sovereignty is in the hands of the people," he added.

Jokowi expressed this message in front of businessmen at the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) in Jakarta. In addition, several political figures were also present, such as the Governor of Central Java and the PDI Perjuangan Vice Presidential candidate, Ganjar Pranowo.

Also present among the businessmen were the Minister of Trade and Chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN), Zulkifli Hasan, the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Chairman of the Golkar Party, Airlangga Hartarto, and the 10th and 12th Vice President, Jusuf Kalla.

Among the businessmen, in addition to Apindo, there were also the Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Indonesia), Arsjad Rasjid, and the Chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (Hipmi), Akbar Himawan Buchari.

Jokowi also revealed predictions from several international institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Their prediction is that Indonesia has 13 years ahead to solidify its position as a developed country.

"The international institutions I mentioned earlier told me, 'President Jokowi, Indonesia has a chance in the next 13 years', because there is a demographic bonus, and we will achieve downstreaming, the leap will occur in these 13 years," he emphasized.

Touching Moment of Iriana Wiping the Head of a Child Who Got Rained on During President Jokowi and Iriana's Visit to China

Dream - President Joko Widodo and First Lady Iriana landed at Tianfu Chengdu International Airport, China, at 14:40 local time. During this visit, Jokowi held a bilateral meeting with President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping, on Thursday, July 27, 2023.

Upon arrival at the airport, after a five-hour flight, they were greeted by drizzling rain, so Jokowi shielded Iriana with an umbrella when they disembarked from the plane.

A moment of joy came when Jokowi and Iriana were welcomed by several high-ranking Chinese officials, including the Minister of Education of China, Huai Jinpeng, the Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia, Lu Kang, and the Governor of Sichuan Province, Huangqiang. Prior to that, they were also given bouquets by boys and girls.

Unexpected Moment

However, an unexpected touching moment occurred when Iriana reflexively wiped the face of a young boy who gave her flowers. The boy's face and clothes were wet from the rain.

A short video of the moment then went viral on Twitter and became popular content on the For You Page (FYP) after being uploaded by the Sandal Jepit Putus account.

Responses from TikTok users varied. They gave various praises to Ibu Iriana, the mother of Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Kahiyang Ayu, and Kaesang Pangarep.

Bilateral Meeting

After arriving in Chengdu, China, President Jokowi immediately held a bilateral meeting with President Xi Jinping. In the meeting, Jokowi appreciated China's support for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN at that time.

"I highly appreciate China's support for Indonesia's chairmanship in ASEAN and ASEAN centrality in the inclusive regional architecture to maintain a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region," said Jokowi, as quoted from Antara.

Jokowi also expressed his delight at the concrete progress in cooperation between Indonesia and China since the G20 Summit in Bali in 2022.

This visit marks a historic moment for the bilateral relationship between the two countries and is evidence that cooperation and friendship can yield tangible results.

(Source: Liputan6)