Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo ended his final state of the nation address on Friday with a message dedicated to his successor Prabowo Subianto.

The state address has been an annual tradition for the president. A day before Indonesia's independence day, the president will speak before lawmakers and government officials with the speeches mainly highlighting the current situation of the country.

Jokowi is set to retire in October and has just delivered his last state of the nation address. As Indonesia inches closer to Prabowo's inauguration ceremony, Jokowi did not forget to give a special shout-out to the president-elect in his speech.

"If God is willing, you [Prabowo] will be the one who delivers the state of the nation address next year. On Oct. 20, allow me to pass the leadership baton to you," Jokowi said at the parliamentary building in Jakarta.

"Allow me to share the hopes and dreams of all Indonesian people from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island, from the peripheries, the outermost regions, the villages and urban areas to you," Jokowi said.

Prabowo immediately rose from his seat when Jokowi mentioned his name.

Prabowo had previously lost to Jokowi in past elections. The latter then appointed the former rival as his current defense minister. Prabowo has also picked Jokowi's eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his vice-president elect.

The former army general has vowed to carry on Jokowi's policies, including the ambitious $33 billion capital relocation plan. During a recent visit to the new capital Nusantara, Prabowo even vowed to speed up the city's development.

Source: https://jakartaglobe.id/news/jokowi-says-hes-ready-to-pass-baton-to-prabow