President Calls For National Unity To Meet Global Challenges

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Joko Widodo called on all parties in the country  here on Wednesday to strengthen unity and solidarity to meet increasing various challenges.

"Competition is no longer between people but between countries. We must not keep fighting with each other and squabbling as the challenges are heavier," he said in his speech at the inauguration of the new board of the National Mandate Party (PAN).

He said the heavy challenges were especially in the economic sector. "There are US dollar appreciation, depressed global financial conditions and others," he said at an event attended by a number of political party leaders from rival KMP (Red-White) and KIH (Great Indonesia) party coalitions including his former presidential rival Prabowo Subianto.

President Jokowi as he is also called said solidarity and unity is needed so that various problems could be settled and solved together. "I am happy that KIH and KMP leaders are here at this event. This is what we call unity, brotherhood," he said.

He said the country would not be able to compete with other countries unless there is political stability and security.

He said solidarity and unity are urgently needed now. "If we wish to compete again let us wait until 2019 or at upcoming regional elections and after that let us work for the people," he said.

He said when he met with Prabowo at the Bogor Palace he asked him if he would run again in 2019. "That is what I am, I always speak frankly. His is 'if I run again I would fight with Pak (Mr) Jokowi again'," he said.

On the occasion President Jokowi congratulated PAN cadres who have successfully conducted a congress in Bali recently. "This is a good example for the people," he said.

This way PAN that was born during the reform movement could become a jewel in peaceful time, he said.

President Jokowi said all sides must continue the development process of democracy in the country. Many neighboring countries are jealous to see the development of democracy in Indonesia but they have not courage to carry it out yet, he added.

He also called on all party cadres to strengthen cadre development and recruitment system as well as conflict settlement and financial management.

"These are needed to present trustful political parties to carry out people's mandate. Political parties must not only come ahead of general elections but at any time when solutions of problems faced by the people  is needed, including wealth gap, public service, corruption and others.

He said the government could not work by itself but needs cooperation. "I would like to thank PAN that has given a positive response needed to calm political situation which has often escalated. I call on all cadres to keep increasing their roles to improve the welfare of the people," he said. (WDY)