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Jokowi apologizes for failings amid democratic backsliding
President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo tearfully apologize for any mistakes of his 10-year presidency, which is marked with the regression of democratic values and governance with intimidation against government critics and political opponents as well as shrinking public participation in legislation.
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President Joko “Jokowi“ Widodo greets attendants of the national prayer ahead of the 79th Independence Day commemoration at the State Palace in Jakarta on Aug. 1, 2024. (Antara/Sigid Kurniawan)
P
resident Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has expressed a public apology for his past mistakes as he nears the end of his presidency, a decade in office that activists and experts say was marked by a weakening commitment to democratic values and principles.
The apology was conveyed during a congregational prayer event on Thursday at the State Palace in Central Jakarta, held to mark the start of independence month. Celebrations will culminate on Independence Day on Aug. 17, with a ceremony planned in the future capital of Nusantara in East Kalimantan.
The series of events leading to the Aug. 17 celebration will be the last for Jokowi as president before he leaves office in October and passes the baton to president-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is currently serving as the defense minister.
In a shaky voice and seemingly on the verge of tears, Jokowi apologized for any shortcomings by his administration since he was first elected to the nation’s highest office in 2014.
“With utmost sincerity, allow me and [...] Ma’ruf Amin to sincerely apologize for any mistakes we may have made while carrying out the people’s mandate as the president and vice president,” Jokowi told a crowd of around 3,000 attendees, including cabinet ministers, interfaith figures and leaders of Islamic organizations.
Jokowi further highlighted in his speech, which was broadcast and live streamed across major news networks and online platforms, that it was impossible to please everyone and meet all expectations throughout his two presidential terms, while calling on the attendees to pray for the nation’s progress and unity.
“We realize that we can’t please everyone,” the President said. “I’m not perfect. I’m an ordinary human being. Perfection belongs to Allah alone.”
