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Put on some weight, says politician to Jokowi in prayer
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo walks during the annual state of the nation address on Wednesday. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
A
n unusual remark was made about President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo during a prayer from a politician in the opposition camp: to put on weight while facing the daunting tasks of developing the country.
Tifatul Sembiring of the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) made the remark while leading a prayer in front of hundreds of lawmakers, former presidents, political parties leaders and Jokowi himself, who wore traditional Bugis attire during his annual state of the nation address on Wednesday.
"Please, God, let him [Jokowi] put on weight since he is now getting skinnier while struggling to develop the nation," Tifatul said in the prayer during the event at the House of Representatives compound.
Some media have reported that Jokowi weighs around 54 to 55 kilograms.
"The President seems to have a lack of time to rest. Please, God, give him health and strength," Tifatul continued.
Dressed in a red and yellow sarong from Makassar, the hometown of Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Jokowi delivered two of his three speeches in confidence.
Kalla, meanwhile, wore a black Javanese beskap, attire traditional to the region where Jokowi was born.
PKS lawmaker Nasir Djamil shared a different opinion on Jokowi's appearance.
"He looks stronger in that attire," Nasir said. "I appreciate Jokowi's initiative that shows that, although we come from different backgrounds and ethnicities, we are one nation, Indonesia." (ipa)
