President Jokowi urges society to maintain unity in diversity

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the Indonesian population to maintain harmony and unity, amid the nations diversity.

"Diversity in tribes, local languages, and religions is the destiny of God, the law of God which is given to the Indonesian people. Therefore, we must maintain and take care of the diversity as the nations power," he said during his speech at the Great Mosque of Tasikmalaya here on Friday.

He shared his thoughts with the congregation after conducting the Friday prayer with residents.

According to Jokowi, the nations wealth of diversity offers great potential amid competition with other countries.

Jokowi also called for maintaining the spirit of brotherhood among Muslims, and expected the people not to harm each other, as they remain fellow countrymen.

In the midst of the spreading of false news and hate speech, he requested that people do not insult each other, not vilify others, and avoid slander.

"It (Insulting each other) is not the culture of the Indonesian nation, which presents politeness," he emphasized.

In addition, during the delivery of land certificates to the public at Tasikmalaya City Hall, Jokowi said society should not be split due to the different choices in the regional heads election or the presidential election.

"Do not fight with neighbors because of different choices of regents, governors, and president. We are brothers. All people must embrace each other. We are a big country," he stated.

He is conducting a two day working visit in Tasikmalaya city and Ciamis district, West Java province.

On Friday night, Jokowi is planning to visit the Islamic boarding school of Cipasung, Tasikmalaya district, to perform Tarawih prayer.

Source: ANTARA