Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian nation is getting stronger like a coral in the face of testing times, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has said.
"The test of time has not diminished, but this nation is getting stronger like a coral," the President remarked on his Instagram account @jokowi to mark Heroes' Day..
President Jokowi assured all parties that the current crises, recession, and pandemic will be overcome by the Indonesian people.
"We will be able to get through crises, recessions, and pandemics, thanks to the fighters who are always present at all service fields when needed," he explained.
With his Instagram message, the President posted an animated photo of Bung Tomo, Indonesia's national hero who is famous for his role in the Battle of 10 November, 1945, alongside contemporary heroes from various professions, including health workers, accompanied by the words "Happy Heroes' Day".
Meanwhile, on Wednesday morning, President Jokowi led a ceremony paying tribute to fallen heroes at the Kalibata Heroes Cemetery, South Jakarta, to commemorate National Heroes' Day.
Wearing a formal dark suit, the President arrived at the Kalibata Heroes' Cemetery with Vice President Ma'ruf Amin for the ceremony, which was broadcast live on the official YouTube channel of the Presidential Secretariat.
President Jokowi, as the ceremony inspector, led the ceremony that began around 8 a.m. local time.
The ceremony was held under the implementation of strict health protocols.
Several ministers from the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet attended the ceremony, including Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, and Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas.
The ceremony started after President Jokowi received a report from the ceremony commander.
Participants at the ceremony paid tribute to the fallen heroes followed by a weapons salute.
The participants then recalled the battle of November 10, 1945 in Surabaya, East Java province, marked by the sound of sirens.
The President thereafter led a moment of silence to honor the heroes.