Jokowi: Meeting Caucasians Is Like Meeting Anyone, Wong Both Eat Rice

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Laily RE

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo emphasized that Indonesia is a great nation. All citizens must be aware of Indonesia's position which is increasingly being respected by major countries.

That's why Jokowi is confused if we like to be too 'angling' when meeting citizens from other countries.

"Meeting foreigners is like meeting someone like that. It's sad for us. Sometimes we look up too much like this," Jokowi said while giving an example of a head looking up. He spoke at the NasDem Party's 10th Anniversary event which was launched on YouTube NasDem TV, Thursday, November 11.

"Wong both eat rice," he continued.

Indonesia's role in the international world has been very calculated. Indonesia is also increasingly valued, respected and seen by other countries.

"But often in the country itself is dwarfed," he quipped.

Jokowi asked the Indonesian people to immediately change the inlander and colonized mentality that seems to still exist in the mentality of the citizens.

Jokowi is aware that Indonesia has been colonized for too long for 350 years. And because of that, he also had an idea, maybe it's the long duration that makes Indonesian citizens feel small compared to other countries.

"We are a big nation but we often forget," he said.

"In fact, we are independent through a long struggle, not what we were given," he said.