Jokowi: Megawati's Mother Is Like My Mother, I Really, Really Respect Her

President Jokowi with Megawati Soekarnoputri/PHOTO: Wardhany Tsa Tsia-VOI

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said his relationship with the PDI-P General Chair Megawati Soekarnoputri was like a child and a parent. He said he had an inner relationship with the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia.

He conveyed this when delivering his remarks at the inauguration of the At-Taufiq Mosque, Lenteng Agung, Jakarta, Wednesday, June 8.

"Mother Mega is like my own mother. I really, really respect her mother Megawati and the child's relationship with this mother is an inner relationship," said Jokowi at the At-Taufiq Mosque, Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, Wednesday, June 8.

Jokowi emphasized that he would always respect Megawati. Although there are differences of opinion, he judged, this is normal in the relationship between mother and child.

"I have great respect for him who is always full of trust that never changes," he said.

"Then on a long journey, sometimes there are differences between the child and the mother, that's normal, it's normal," added Jokowi.

Jokowi said he had indeed provided time to attend the inauguration. Moreover, since three months ago he promised Megawati to be present at the At-Taufiq Mosque whose name was taken from the late Taufiq Kiemas.

"I am very happy, firstly because three months ago I made an appointment with Mrs. Megawati Soekarnoputri to be here," he said.

For information, the construction of the At-taufiq Mosque was carried out on June 8 2018 then construction began in December 2018. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this mosque was only completed in July 2020.

This mosque was built on an area of 1,800 square meters with a capacity of about 400-500 worshipers. The concept of the At-Taufiq Mosque building is taken from the concept of Progressive Nusantara Islam, which is in accordance with the third Trisakti Bung Karno, namely having an Indonesian culture.

Not only that, the building of this mosque also adapts the customs of Palembang, South Sumatra, which is the area of origin of the late Taufiq Kiemas, Megawati's husband. Then, this mosque shows elements of Minang customs and also contains party elements.