Future leadership key to Indonesia’s leap to become developed nation: Jokowi

Bogor, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed belief that the national leadership in the 2024-2034 period is the key to Indonesia’s leap to becoming a developed nation.

“Future leadership is very decisive, where (the head of state chosen in the general elections of) 2024, 2029, and 2034 is very crucial and the key to this country being able to leap forward or not,” Jokowi stated here on Saturday.

The president made this statement at the National Consolidation of Alap-Alap Jokowi Volunteer Network at the Sentul International Convention Center (SICC), Bogor, West Java.

Addressing some 16 thousand Alap-Alap Jokowi volunteers, he remarked that the ideal leader for Indonesia is one with courage and willingness to work hard for the people as well as dares to solve the nation’s problems and is keen to take risks to face global challenges.

“I do not have to say it because everyone already understands it. This is a democratic nation, and sovereignty lies in the hands of the people,” he affirmed.

Jokowi remarked that geographically, Indonesia, with more than 17 thousand islands, poses challenges for the next leaders.

He stressed that the government should be present to be able to meet the public infrastructure needs, such as electricity, schools, local health centers, hospitals, seaports, airports, and fuel oil, in an even and equitable manner on every island.

“This is a big and vast country (that stretches from) Sabang to Merauke. Do not compare it to a small country that manages it much easier. You can imagine how very complicated it is to manage this country,” he remarked.

Jokowi ended his speech by urging all volunteers to harbor greater optimism about Indonesia’s goal to become a developed country.

“According to the predictions from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Indonesia will become an advanced country 20-25 years from now,” he stated.