Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed deep condolences over the death of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Thursday at the age of 88.
"On behalf of the government and the people of Indonesia, I express deep condolences over the demise of King Bhumibol Adulyadej," he told a press conference at the Merdeka Palace on Thursday evening.
President Jokowi noted that the world lost a leader who was close to his people.
He acknowledged that King Bhumibol was a leader who could bring peace, unity and welfare, especially to the people of Thailand.
"The world has lost a leader who was close to his people and had brought peace and unity as well as welfare to the people of Thailand," he underlined.
President Jokowi emphasized that the Thai king deserved to become a role model because of his modesty and the great attention he paid to his people.
"King Bhumibols modesty and attention to the people deserve to be looked up to as examples meant for us," he stressed.
All the parties in the ASEAN region hoped his death would not affect the stability in the region.
He stated that it was important to preserve the stability and peace of the ASEAN region with regard to maintaining regional economic growth.
"I think the ASEAN region must be peaceful and stable so that we can ensure economic growth in the region and its surroundings," he concluded.(WDY)
