REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Former President BJ Habibie, who met President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) here on Thursday, discussed the current social situation in Indonesia. He focused on the country's ideology of Pancasila and pluralism, besides issues related to technology.
State Secretary Pratikno quoted Habibie as saying that Indonesia must ensure tolerance among various sections of the society. "Muslims in Indonesia are tolerant and Habibie convinced the president that we have the strength to preserve Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Indonesia's motto of unity in diversity)," Pratikno emphasized.
In the field of advanced technology, Pratikno said Habibie suggested that priority be accorded to development of advanced and high value-added technology, State Secretary Pratikno said. "Habibie offered some recommendations to the president about according priority to the development of high value-added technology," Pratikno stated.
The minister disclosed that the two discussed certain technical issues related to aircraft manufacturing and other aspects. The president, he informed, concurred with the view that there was need to develop industry with a high value added component. "The president's focus was on ways to develop industry in such a way that it can absorb more workers, increase value added and provide job opportunities for younger generations," he explained.
Earlier in the day, President Jokowi also held a separate meeting with former vice president, Try Sutrisno. "Try Sutrisno and Habibie had requested for a meeting with the president and we arranged it," he informed.
Both were vice presidents during the administration of late President Suharto. Habibie served briefly as president, replacing Suharto when he was forced to step down after having ruled the country for more than three decades.
In the past few days, Jokowi has invited a number of former national leaders, including from political parties and the religious domain, to discuss national issues including those considered posing a threat to national unity.
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