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I work for the good of all, says Jokowi
President Joko âJokowiâ Widodo says he does not work to be popular but for the sake of all Indonesians
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President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo says he does not work to be popular but for the sake of all Indonesians.
Speaking before thousands of volunteers supporting him during the 2014 presidential election at Cibubur Scout Camping Ground, East Jakarta on Saturday, the President said he had prepared for the moment when he became unpopular and the object of condemnation because of unpopular policies, but added that the people would benefit in the long run.
'I do not fear being unpopular and an object of condemnation because my policies may be unpopular. I do not act for popularity but for the good of all people in the long run,' he said.
He cited the lifting of the fuel subsidy that had sparked strong protests from all sides, mainly low-income workers, but pointed out that eventually it would benefit the majority of people.
The President also said the government had no plan to import rice because it would affect the livelihoods of the majority of farmers in the country.
'Due to the low price of imported rice, which costs only Rp 4,000 per kilogram, the government should have imported rice. But I decided not to do it because the import of rice will certainly affect the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the country,' he said.
According to several surveys conducted recently, Jokowi's popularity plunged to 57 percent from the previous 70 percent due to unpopular policies and criticism of his Cabinet. (rms)
