JAKARTA, Oct 21 (NNN-ANTARA) – Indonesian President, Joko Widodo, was sworn in for his second five-year term on Sunday, at an inauguration ceremony attended by foreign dignitaries and special envoys.
The inauguration was held at the parliament building in the capital, Jakarta, amid heavy security.
“I will comply with the obligation of President of the Republic of Indonesia, as well and fairly as possible, uphold the state constitution, all laws and regulations, and devote myself to the country,” the President said.
Widodo and his running mate, Ma’ruf Amin, won the Apr 17 presidential election, beating rival, former general Prabowo Subianto and his running mate, Sandiaga Uno.
Widodo secured 55.5 percent, or about 85.67 million, of the total votes.
Among the foreign leaders and envoys attending the ceremony were, Chinese Vice President, Wang Qishan; Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison; Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr Mahathir Mohamad; Singaporean Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong; the Sultan of Brunei, Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.
In his speech President Widodo, 58, outlined the targets for his second five-year term, with the main goal of working towards helping the country exit the middle-income trap in 2045.
“Our dream in 2045 – Indonesia escapes from the group of middle-income countries and turns to be an advanced nation,” he said.
For the next five years, Widodo said, he decided to give priorities to huge infrastructure projects, and shift the country’s economic reliance to manufacturing or added-value products from natural resources export.
Indonesia beefed up security in the capital with about 31,000 policemen and soldiers, during the inauguration ceremony, after over 40 alleged militants had been nabbed and scores of terrorist plots, including suicide bombings, thwarted, ahead of the inauguration.– NNN-ANTARA