"We should be grateful that up to now, we still enjoy peace particularly. Therefore, let`s work together, regardless of race, tribe, culture and religion, to maintain harmony by promoting mutual respect among people of different faiths," he said.
Batulicin, S Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the Indonesian people to maintain harmony.

"Indonesia is a big country, comprising over 17 thousand islands, 714 tribes, 34 provinces, 516 cities and districts, and 1,100 local languages. Despite the differences, lets be united to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI)," President Jokowi said here, Sunday.

Whatever problems facing this nation, whether it concerns religion, race, culture and others, it should be solved through consensus as early as possible.

"We should be grateful that up to now, we still enjoy peace particularly. Therefore, lets work together, regardless of race, tribe, culture and religion, to maintain harmony by promoting mutual respect among people of different faiths," he said.

Jokowi and First Lady Iriana are in South Kalimantan for a working visit.

They attended a maritime cultural fiesta called Mappanretasi in Pagatan beach, Tanah Bambu Sub-district, Tanah Bumbu District, South Kalimantan Province, on Sunday.

Maritime natural resources should be used for the welfare of Indonesias people, the President said in his remarks.

From Tanah Bumbu Sub-district, the President and his entourage went to Batulicin Sub-district, Tanah Bumbu District, to present Smart Indonesia Cards (KIP), supplement food (PMT), Family of Hope Program assistance (PKH), and Healthy Indonesia Cards (KIS) to local people.

He later proceeded to Bajuin Sub-district, Tanah Laut District, to symbolically hand over rural community forest areas to local people.

On Sunday afternoon, he will present land certificates to several villagers in Tambang Ulang Sub-district, Tanah Laut District.

In the evening, the President and the First Lady will stay overnight in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan.

Members of his entourage include Minister of Education and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Health Minister Nila Moeloek and chief of the presidential staff Teten Masduki.

On Monday, he will proceed to Ternate, North Maluku.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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