JAKARTA, Jan 1 (Bernama-Antara): President Joko Widodo, in a post on his social media account on Monday, invited the public to welcome the new year with high spirits and optimism.
"Today, with our heads held high, we step into 2024 with enthusiasm and optimism that Indonesia has walked on the right path and is ready to face any challenges in the future," Widodo said, as quoted from his Instagram account, here on Monday.
Jokowi, as the president is widely known, recalled that Indonesia has passed 2023 with hard work and recovery efforts from the pandemic, the long drought, and uncertain global situations.
"Indonesia can go through all these challenges, thanks to our unity and mutual cooperation," he remarked.
Jokowi spent New Year's Eve in his hometown in Surakarta, Central Java.
He greeted the community and bought snacks and beverages, such as the herbal drink temulawak, at a micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) outlet at the Ngarsopuro Night Market, on Sunday.
On the occasion, the president wore a dark-colored jacket and approached the stalls selling light snacks, such as egg rolls, sausages, and corndogs.
Meanwhile, the locals were enthusiastic while welcoming President Jokowi.
Jokowi arrived in his hometown on Saturday. He had no official schedule for these two days.
Spending his time at his residence in the Sumber area, Banjarsari Sub-district, Surakarta, Jokowi took his two grandchildren -- Jan Ethes Srinarendra and La Lembah Manah -- to a mall.
While waiting for his two grandchildren to play, Jokowi took the time to take a selfie with the locals. They were also willing to queue up to take pictures with the head of state. - Bernama-Antara
