Haeril Halim, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has called for national unity after he and First Lady Iriana Widodo cast their ballots in Jakarta's gubernatorial election on Wednesday.
Wearing a brown, long-sleeved batik top, the president and his wife arrived at a polling station in Gambir, Central Jakarta, at 10 a.m. to join 493 Jakartans to vote at the station.
Jokowi called on supporters of all candidates running in the Jakarta election and 100 other local elections across the country to be united as brothers again after the concurrent elections on Wednesday.
"I hope that all regional elections, not only in Jakarta but in other regions, too, are full of happiness today," the President said. "Let us not allow political differences to destroy our unity; I hope that all can be united again as brothers for the sake of the country's unity after the elections."
The President refused to take questions after the press statement. He and his entourage rushed straight to the State Palace after voting. Jokowi kept his schedule for the election day free to spend time with his family after casting his ballot.
The government has declared Feb. 15 a national holiday to make it easier for people across the country to go to polling stations and cast their ballots.
Originally from Surakarta, Central Java, Jokowi changed his residential address and became a resident of Jakarta after winning the 2012 Jakarta gubernatorial election. (wit)