"The unitary principle is our strength and the beginning of our awakening."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - House of Representatives (DPR) chairman Marzuki Alie said on Thursday that the unitary principles of nationalism and unity amongst Indonesians, which are the hallmark of the country`s independence, should be maintained.

"The unitary principle is our strength and the beginning of our awakening," he said while inaugurating a joint plenary session of the DPR and the Regional Representative Council (DPD), prior to the state of the nation address, which the president delivered in parliament.

Alie added that history has proved that no matter what challenges the state and the nation are facing, the Indonesian people have overcome them while remaining united and maintaining their integrity within the unitary framework of the Indonesian state.

He also pointed out that Indonesia will always be able to counter any acts of anarchism, radicalism, terrorism and separatism, because it has continued to maintain its unity and integrity.

Indonesia has also been recognized as the world's third biggest democratic country, he said.

To that end, the room for democracy has been widely opened through an amendment in the 1945 state constitution and other legislations, which should more than qualify our efforts in realizing the goals of proclamation as mandated by the founding fathers of this country, Alie added.

He also urged that the 67th anniversary of Indonesian independence should be used by the Indonesian people to introspect, reflect and evaluate the nation's journey, which will propel the country towards a better future.

"Although we have passed several reforms in the political, economic and social community spheres since 1998, I still feel that many more need to be introduced and implemented well," Alie said.

"The joint plenary session of the DPR and the DPD on the eve of the 67th Indonesian Independence Day on August 17, was also attended by former president BJ Habibie, former vice president Jusuf Kalla, Hamzah Haz, cabinet ministers and envoys from friendly countries.
(Uu.B003/INE/KR-BSR/F001)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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