President Jokowi: We Don't Want To Be Forced, Including Forced To Export

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo emphasized that Indonesia does not want to be forced to be included in exporting natural resources that can be processed domestically.

"Colonial times have left the long trauma of our nation. We are forced to labor forcibly, we are forced to cultivate. Currently we do not want to be forced, including we do not want to be forced to force exports," said President Jokowi during a virtual speech at the 73rd UGM Dies Commemoration Open Meeting at Grha Sabha Pramana, UGM, Sleman, Monday 19 December.

In the ASEAN-EU summit, the President said, Indonesia has confirmed its position that cooperation between countries is not only to move forward together but also to progress equally.

Thus, he said, neither party has the right to impose its will and use its standards to be forced on other parties.

According to Jokowi, Indonesia has the opportunity to become a food barn and world energy, especially green energy that is really needed by the world.

Through the downstream program on natural resources owned, said Jokowi, Indonesia has the opportunity to become a developed country with added value in the country.

"All of that must be fought for in international political arenas, global politics, and also strengthened by internal capacity in the country," the President said as quoted by Antara.

The spirit of fighting for the interests of humanity, the interests of progress, and the sovereignty of the nation from UGM, he said, is increasingly relevant in a world full of disruptions, especially since the impact of the pandemic has not yet been completed.

He said dozens of countries experienced bankruptcy and millions of people experienced food shortages and hunger to the brink of extreme poverty.

"Indonesia is grateful for the hard work of all of us, including alumni of UGM, economic growth, which is in the range of 5.7 percent. In the third quarter of 2022 inflation is also very well maintained. Food and energy prices are also still under control but we must not be satisfied with this situation," said President Jokowi.

Through the G20 Presidency, he said, Indonesia not only gave birth to declarations in the midst of global conflicts that were heating up but Indonesia also succeeded in realizing real projects to solve humanitarian and economic problems.

"I invite UGM extended families to become important actors for increasing the dignity and independence of the nation for the sovereignty of the country, as well as for the progress and prosperity of the Indonesian people," he said.