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Jokowi says 'Indonesia is not merely Jakarta'
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (fourth left, front row) performs Idul Fitri prayers at the Grand Mosque of Padang, West Sumatra, on Wednesday. (Biro Pers Setpres/ Rusman)
I
n keeping with his tradition to observe Idul Fitri outside Jakarta, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has for the first time celebrated the Islamic holiday in Padang, West Sumatra.
Wearing a white shirt, grey blazer, a sarong and a black traditional peci cap, the President with First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo, who wore a white Muslim dress, joined Wednesday's Idul Fitri mass prayer at the city’s Grand Mosque and made time for mingling with local residents.
"I see the hospitality of the people here, also the enthusiasm of the travelers. Everything is proceeding safely and well here," Jokowi said in an official statement.
Explaining why he chose Padang as the place to celebrate Idul Fitri this year, the President stressed that Indonesia was not merely Jakarta.
He added that he planned to celebrate other national holidays in other cities, "from Sabang to Merauke and probably once in Jakarta," he said, referring to the westernmost and easternmost cities of the archipelago.
