President Joko Widodo delivers press statement after the Red and White Flag Lowering Ceremony at the State Palace of Nusantara Capital (IKN), on Saturday (17/08) (Photo: Bureau for Press and Media of Presidential Secretariat)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo conveyed his gratitude for the 79th commemoration of Indonesia’s Independence Day in the capital of Nusantara on August 17, 2024.
In his press conference after leading the red and white flag lowering ceremony, he said that the series of activities had ran smoothly and solemnly, while expressing his congratulatory message of the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day to all Indonesian people.
“Alhamdulillah, Praise to God, last night we did a holy moment of silence and this morning until the afternoon flag lowering ceremony, all activities ran smoothly and well. The weather was favorable so we could run our programs. When we had break, it was raining so that it was cool not too hot. The ceremony became solemn. On this opportunity, once again, I would like to convey my congratulation on the 79th anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day to all Indonesian people” the President explained.
The Head of State also responded questions from the press regarding the absence of former Indonesian Presidents on the ceremony in Nusantara because they had their important agenda in other places.
He further explained that regarding the commemoration next year to be held in Nusantara, it was the authority of the President-elect Prabowo Subianto, who also attended the ceremony in Nusantara.
Prabowo’s presence was the signal that the commemoration would be held in the new capital next year. Regarding the location of the commemoration in Jakarta and Nusantara, he said that it would be decide later. However, he emphasized that the main ceremony would be conducted in Nusantara.
“Well, they [former presidents] also have their important agenda in other places. I think we have to respect them because they are celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day in Jakarta and Pacitan. I think it is the same to celebrate Independence Day everywhere. Insha Allah, God willing, the ceremony will be held here next year. Just wait and see but the main ceremony in Nusantara,” the President explained.
Meanwhile, regarding the future development in Indonesia, the President underscored the importance of equitable development throughout Indonesia, adding that the presence of Nusantara is expected to boost Indonesia-centric equitable development.
“Well, Indonesia is a big country that needs equitable development throughout east-middle-west regions. All regions must have the same treatment as I said ten years ago that the development is not Java-centric but Indonesia-centric. The development is not only in the central region but also in peripheral areas, villages, and outermost areas,” the President remarked. (BPMI Setpres/DNS) (GA/EP)
