Jokowi Touts Maritime Axis in Inauguration Address

Jakarta Globe, Oct 20, 2014

President Joko Widodo takes the oath of
office on Monday.  (EPA Photo/Adi Weda)

Jakarta. President Joko Widodo used his inaugural address on Monday to reiterate his central program of turning Indonesia into a global maritime axis.

“The seas, the oceans and the bays are our future, and we have been neglected our seas, oceans and bays,” he told legislators and visiting world leaders at the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) building in Jakarta.

“This is the time to return to Jalesveva Jayamahe,” he added, citing the motto of Indonesian Navy, which is the Sanskrit for “In the sea we will triumph.”

Joko, speaking after taing the oath of office as Indonesia’s seventh president, said it was important for Indonesia, once a collection of disparate kingdoms renowned for their maritime prowess, to build on its immense wealth of maritime resources.

“To build Indonesia into a great, prosperous and peaceful country we must posses the soul of Cakrawati Samudra,” he said, again turning to Sanskrit to refer to a maritime nation with a strong merchant navy.

“As the captain of the ship, I invite all Indonesians on board to move toward a prosperous nation,” he added. “To all fishermen, laborers, farmers, meatball sellers, drivers, all the professionals — I call on you to work hand in hand because this is the historical moment for us to work, work and work.”

As part of his focus on maritime issues, Joko is expected to announce a new cabinet post of coordinating minister for maritime, natural resources and environmental affairs when he reveals his cabinet lineup tomorrow.