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itinghis achievements in Jakarta, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)presidential hopeful Joko "Jokowi" Widodo charmed his audience duringa public lecture arranged by the University of Manado (Unima), a move apparentlyaimed to counter criticism over his lack of experience.

Speakingbefore university lecturers and students onSaturday, the Jakarta governor boldly defended himselffrom criticism, saying that he lacked the experience needed to be a presidentbecause he had not yet been one.

"Manysay that I have no experience. I haven't because I have never been one. But Ihave experience of being a mayor to bigger and a governor," Jokowi said.

"Weneed a comprehensively monitored management in order to grow this countrybig," the former Surakarta mayor emphasized, which was quickly followed byshouts and applause from the audience.

Healso highlighted his attempt to improve Indonesia using the country's abundantresources in agriculture and energy.

"Forinstance, it's time for us to re-establish educational programs to nurtureknowledge and skills in those sectors. We need to invest money inresearch," Jokowi explained.

Besidesspeaking in the public lecture, Jokowi also privately met representatives fromthe local Christian Synod council during his three day visit to North Sulawesiand South Sulawesi accompanied by PDI-P deputy secretary generals Ahmad Basarahand Erico Sotarduga and Marwan Jafar from the National Awakening Party (PKB), aparty that will soon officially join the PDI-P coalition after the NasDem Party.

Jokowiwill next depart for Makassar to meet local Muslim leaders.