Yudhoyono cites Bugis proverb in speech

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono cited a proverb originating from the Bugis people during his speech Friday to encourage people to work hard to reach prosperity.

“As the Bugis proverb goes ‘resopa temangingi namalomo naletei pammase dewata’, which means only persistent struggle and hard work will be rewarded with the blessing of God the Almighty,” Yudhoyono said in his state of the nation address at the House of Representatives on Friday.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who comes from South Sulawesi and is a Bugis native, enjoyed a chuckle, possibly at the President’s accent. South Sulawesi is home to the Bugis people.

The two ran against each other in the presidential election, which was eventually won by Yudhoyono.

“Each county has its ambitions and missions, but achievements do not fall from the sky. We must reach them through hard work,” Yudhoyono said.