1Berita – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) claims to have visited 85 percent of Indonesia’s regions during his term. He stated that the remaining 15 percent will be covered in 2024.

“I must remind you that our country, being a large nation with 714 ethnic groups and over 1300 regional languages, is incredibly diverse. I can speak like this because I have visited almost 85 percent of the regions across the archipelago. The remaining 15 percent will be completed in 2024,” said Jokowi during the National Christmas Celebration 2023 at the Bethany Nginden Church in Surabaya, East Java, on Wednesday (27/12).

In his address, Jokowi initially touched upon the diversity present in the country. He expressed gratitude that Indonesia has been able to maintain tolerance for such diversity.

“As Indonesians, we are truly fortunate to maintain tolerance in diversity. In our pluralism, we are also able to preserve unity amidst diversity. We are able to uphold Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, and we are grateful to have Pancasila,” said Jokowi.

Jokowi also emphasized that the spirit of diversity must be continually nurtured. Additionally, he urged placing national interests above personal interests.

“This spirit must be continuously nurtured, the spirit of moderation in religious attitudes, and putting the interests of the nation as part of our faith,” he added.

The National Christmas Celebration 2023 at the Bethany Nginden Church in Surabaya was attended by approximately 16,000 Christian congregants.

The event was also attended by the Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi, Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Azwar Anas, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud Md, National Police Chief General Lisyo Sigit Prabowo, and Commander-in-Chief of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subiyanto.