The president called keeping customs and traditions as the strength of the nation

This is the diversity of our country that we must continue to treat and protect as a strength.

Ternate (ANTARA) - RI President Joko Widodo stated that the awarding of customary titles from the Sultanate of Ternate is part of local tradition and wisdom that all parties must protect and preserve as the strength of the nation.

"I got a title from the Sultanate of Ternate, from the 49th Sultan of Ternate Hidayatullah Sjah with the title of Dada Madopo Malomo. Later what it means, ask the Sultan directly. However, this is a custom, tradition, local wisdom that we must continue to protect and continue we care," said the President after receiving the customary title of Dada Madopo Malomo from the Sultanate of Ternate at Kedaton Sultan Ternate, Wednesday.

The Head of State also appreciated the Sultanate of Ternate in its efforts to maintain and care for customs, traditions, and local wisdom in the Ternate region.

"I really appreciate what the Sultanate of Ternate has done, taking care of customs, traditions, local wisdom. This is what I often convey: having personality in culture," said the President.

According to the President, maintaining customs and traditions is important because Indonesia is a big country. In fact, Indonesia's cultural diversity is a strength of the nation.

"This is the diversity of our country that we must continue to treat and protect as a strength. Differences do not divide, but unite," said the President.

The 49th Sultan of Ternate Hidayatullah Syah awarded President Jokowi as Kaicil Joko Widodo Dada Madopo Lamo or the Noble Prince of the Ternate Sultanate Family as well as the Leader of a Great Nation supported by the people.

It was said by Fanyira Kadaton Ternate Sultanate Rizal Effendi that the awarding took place in the Sultanate Kadaton. At this event, at the same time pray for the President to always be healthy and safe in leading the Indonesian nation.

Awarded by the Sultan of Ternate Hidayatullah Sjah to President Joko Widodo before making a series of working visits to the City of Ternate, West Halmahera Regency, and the City of Tidore Kepulauan, North Maluku, on Wednesday.

President Jokowi then followed the ritual of Joko Kaha or stepping on the ground which is a traditional ceremony to receive royal guests in the courtyard of the Kedaton of the Sultanate of Ternate.