Speaking at a national dhikr and congregational prayer on Thursday at Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta, the outgoing President apologized for any shortcomings of his administration since he was first elected in 2014.

“With utmost sincerity, allow me and professor Kiai Haji Ma'ruf Amin to sincerely apologize for any mistakes we may have made while carrying out the people’s mandate as president and vice president,” Jokowi told a crowd of around 3,000 attendees, including Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, cabinet ministers and leaders of Islamic mass organizations, as well as Muslim clerics and students.

The event, which involved the ritual recitation of praise of Allah, was also held to mark the start of the month of independence, with the celebrations to culminate in the commemoration of Independence Day on Aug. 17, Jokowi’s last as president.

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The President added that it was impossible to please everyone or meet all expectations, and called on the attendees to pray for the nation’s progress and unity.

“We realize that we cannot please everyone. I am not perfect. I am an ordinary human being. Perfection belongs to Allah alone,” he said.

"I call on all participants to recite prayers together and seek help from Allah to pave the way to achieving the shared aspiration of becoming a developed nation. May Allah grant our prayers."

Jokowi’s second and final term ends in October, when president-elect Prabowo Subianto and vice president-elect Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Jokowi’s eldest son, are to be sworn in on Oct. 20. (yer)