JAKARTA. Work, work and work was a word repeatedly spoken by Joko "Jokowi" Widodo in his first speech as the president 10 minutes after being sworn in on Monday.
"This is a moment for us together to work, work and work," said as the country's seventh president.
Jokowi called on the nation to unite in order to overcome the real tests in realizing the country's dream of becoming a sovereign nation in politics and the economy.
"I will work to ensure the public is well served by the government," he said.
"The nation will become stronger if all state institutions work well based on their functions."
He also said that his administration would revive the glory of the archipelago as the master of the seas by focusing on the development of the marine sector.
Jokowi's rival in the June 9 presidential election, Prabowo Subianto, attended the inauguration after speculation weeks before that a grudge he held against Jokowi would prevent him from doing so.
Prior to his speech, Jokowi addressed and greeted Prabowo as his "best friend" and "colleague".
Jokowi and Prabowo met on Friday, ending four months of tension that had led to concerns of future political instability.
Jokowi's patron and former president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, also attended the inauguration, which went smoothly without any disruptions from rouge politicians as many had feared. (Rendi A. Witular)
