UCA News
Contribute

Widodo kicks off Catholic university students' congress

President tells students to maintain and preserve national unity and diversity
Widodo kicks off Catholic university students' congress

Indonesian President Joko Widodo speaks to reporters after opening the 30th Congress of the Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic of Indonesia in Palembang, South Sumatra province, on Jan. 22. (Photo supplied) 

Published: January 23, 2018 05:27 AM GMT
Updated: January 23, 2018 05:29 AM GMT

President Joko Widodo has kicked off the 30th Congress of the Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic of Indonesia in Palembang, the first time a president has opened the gathering.

The biennial congress in South Sumatra province, with the theme promoting the state philosophy of Pancasila to build a sovereign Indonesia, began on Jan. 22 and ends on Jan. 28.

Addressing about 2,000 delegates from all the organization's 72 chapters, Widodo stressed the importance of the country's secular identity and called on them to maintain national unity while at the same time preserve national diversity in a country that contains 714 tribal groups.

"Diversity should be maintained. If there is conflict among tribes, it should be resolved immediately," he said.

Referring to regional elections to be held in June this year, he told the Catholic students to help make sure the polls are peaceful and fair.

"Never reproach each other. We often forget that we are brothers and sisters of this nation," he said.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia