Jakarta – President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, and Vice President Jusuf Kalla attended the opening of Golkar Party's extraordinary congress in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Saturday evening (14/05) on the invitation of current party chairman Aburizal Bakrie.

During the opening ceremony, Jokowi addressed the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders to advance in the current era of global competition.

"Once again, we should be united, fighting the battle, competing together against other nations. It is impossible for us to fight among ourselves," Jokowi said, as quoted in a statement.

The president also reminded party elites to create a positive and productive environment on the national political stage, to resolve the various issues they are currently facing.

"Indonesia needs unity. Don't let our politics to be filled with unnecessary debate, unproductive competition, or ideological debates," the president said.

Jokowi reiterated the government's focus on accelerating infrastructure development, as one of the means to unite the nation. He added that he seeks to ensure the completion of these projects during his term as president.

In conclusion, the president officially opened the congress with a wish for Golkar to be a party inspired to work towards national prosperity.

Among those present were House of Representatives Speaker Ade Komarudin, Regional Council Speaker Irman Gusman, People's Representative Council Deputy Speaker Oesman Sapta Odang, Justice Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan and several cabinet ministers.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/jokowi-calls-political-unity-golkar-congress-opening/