Indonesian President Joko Widodo, also known as Jokowi, delivered his annual state of the nation address on Tuesday, August 16, 2023, to mark the 77th anniversary of the country’s independence. He also unveiled the 2023 state budget, where he is expected to address the challenges and opportunities facing Indonesia amid the global pandemic and economic recovery.
Jokowi arrived at the Senayan legislative complex in South Jakarta wearing the traditional attire of the Tanimbar people, who inhabit a chain of small islands in the southeast of Maluku province. He wore a white long-sleeved shirt with long black pants, a burgundy, gold and black tenun (traditional woven fabric) wrapped around his torso and a black waistband with red stripes and golden thread details. He also wore a black feathered headdress typical of Tanimbar clan leaders and an oversized golden coin necklace adorned with rows of seashells.
The President’s choice of attire was seen as a gesture of respect and appreciation for the diversity and richness of Indonesia’s culture and heritage. He has continued the tradition of wearing customary regional attire while delivering his annual address since he took office in 2014. In previous years, he has worn the traditional dress of Bangka Belitung Islands, Baduy people of Banten, Sasak people of Lombok, Dayak people of Kalimantan, and Toraja people of Sulawesi.
In his speech, Jokowi highlighted the achievements and challenges of his administration in various sectors, such as health, education, infrastructure, social welfare, environment, defense, and foreign affairs.
He also outlined his vision and priorities for the next year, which include boosting economic growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty and inequality, strengthening democracy and human rights, combating corruption and terrorism, and enhancing regional and international cooperation.