President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo told thousands of Islamic school students gathering in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, on Friday, that they must dare to dream so they could be successful in the future.

“Don't be afraid to dream. We are now building Indonesia, where all of its children can fulfill all of their dreams,” Jokowi said as quoted by Antara.

He was speaking during the opening ceremony of the 10^th Indonesian Anak Shaleh (Pious Children) Festival at Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque in Banjarmasin.

“Do any of you want to become a teacher? Or want to become an ustadz [Muslim teacher], an ustadzah [female Muslim teacher]? Who wants to become a doctor, a businessman or a minister? Do you want to become president?” Jokowi asked around 3,700 Islamic schools students from across Indonesia.

“Yes, we do,” the students responded.

Jokowi further said: “Why do so many of you want to become president?”

“You can achieve all of your dreams as long as you are committed to your studies, perform your religious services and become a pious child,” he went on.

The festival was organized by the Indonesian Mosque Youth Communication Board (BKPRMI).

Regional Representative Council (DPD) speaker Oesman Sapta Oedang, Golkar Party secretary-general Idrus Marham, presidential chief of staff Teten Masduki and South Kalimantan Governor Sahbirin Noor accompanied the President at the event. (mos/ebf)