Jakarta Election Proof That Indonesia Has Successful Democracy: VP Kalla
Jakarta. Vice President Jusuf Kalla said this week's peaceful Jakarta gubernatorial election shows that Indonesia has a successful democracy.
Speaking after a meeting with US Vice President Michael Pence at the Vice-Presidential Palace in Central Jakarta on Thursday (20/04), Kalla said: "The timing of [Pence's] arrival was perfect. When the noisy regional election was over, everyone shook hands. So, it is a democracy in Indonesia."
Kalla said Pence expressed admiration of the democracy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.
"They admire our democratic ways in this Muslim-majority country. It is one of a kind among other nations," he said.
Kalla added that all the tensions surrounding the gubernatorial election were already gone.
"Such as today, I asked whether the squabbles were felt or not, and everyone smiled. So, this is Indonesia's democracy. He [Pence] did not mention anything else, as he could not give us any better [examples]," Kalla said.
Pence is on a two-day state visit to Indonesia as part of his Asia-Pacific tour.
US Ambassador Joseph R Donovan Jr. previously said the visit is intended to create prosperity for both countries, as well as ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
Pence also attended a business forum at the Shangri-La Hotel in Central Jakarta on Friday where Kalla was present.
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