President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) officially opened the National Conference of Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada Alumni (KAGAMA) in Kendari, South East Sulawesi, Thursday (6/11). Also attending the event were First Lady Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo, Chairman of KAGAMA, Sri Sultan HB X, State Secretary, Prof. Pratikno, Minister for Public Works and Public Housing, Basuki Hadimulyono, Minister for Agriculture and Food Security, Andi Amran Sulaiman, Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo, as well as Vice Governor of Riau islands, Suryo Respationo.
In his opening remarks, President Jokowi expressed his pride as UGM alumnus that became the seventh Indonesian President.
President Jokowi touched upon the issue of the maritime potential of Indonesia. He said the country’s seriousness in realising maritime axis and sea toll plans has drawn interests from other nations.
Further, the President mentioned the plan to convert the fuel subsidy to other sectors, such as health and infrastructure, so this will be targeted more rightly. Fuel subsidy in the past five months for Indonesia amounted 714 trillions whilst only 577 trillions for infrastructure and 202 trillions being allocated for health. “Thus, we will transfer those from the consumptive to more productive ones,” said Jokowi.
Sri Sultan HB X called for all UGM alumni to emulate the President’s character that is humble and nationalistic. He also expressed his hope for Presiden Jokowi to make Indonesia sovereign and independent.
“The low profile and nationalistic characters of President Jokowi can hopefully spread to other members of UGM alumni so these virtues can impact on work programmes that are beneficial for the nation,” said Sri Sultan.
Committee chairman of the event, Prof. Dr. Ir. Sunjoto, Dip.HE.DEA, said that KAGAMA was not a vehicle to get power, so, for any leader of Indonesia, KAGAMA is ready to give contributions.
The event with the theme Revitalisation of a Maritime State that is Sovereign, Independent, and Having a Personality lasts from 6-9 November. It will elect a new Chairman as well as hosting seminars.