'The founding fathers wrote their promises in the preface to the 1945 Constitution that so far have not yet been fulfilled,' said Anies in a press conference held by the party's convention committee in Jakarta on Sunday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

He said Indonesia had been independent for 68 years but social and economic inequalities remained.

'The promises of the founding fathers to create a nation that was just and prosperous and participating actively to safeguard world peace have not yet been translated into reality,' said Anies.

'Indonesia belongs to all children of the nation; therefore, I urge all of the nation's elements to achieve justice and prosperity,' he added.

The University of Paramadina rector added that the issues raised by Indonesia's founding fathers in the preface to the 1945 Constitution were not dreams but promises that had to be fulfilled.

'Through those words, it was asserted that Indonesia as a country promised to protect all of its citizens. It means the state promises to protect them without regard to their religion, ethnicity or educational backgrounds,' said Anies.

He also pointed out that the Democratic Party had given a chance to all Indonesian people to show their optimism in developing their country and nation through the convention.

Anies is one of 11 convention participants who were introduced to delegates. (ebf)

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