Summary
- Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo said effective leadership requires understanding and listening to people.
- He said citizens should also understand the challenges and direction faced by their leaders.
- Mutual understanding between leaders and society can strengthen trust and support.
- Jokowi said peace begins with a willingness to listen and the courage to understand others.
GEORGE TOWN, September 5 — Peace depends on mutual understanding between leaders and the people they serve, former Indonesian President Joko Widodo said Friday.
Speaking at the inaugural Penang Peace Dialogue, Jokowi said leadership requires more than understanding strategy and power.
A leader must listen to people, understand their concerns and work towards their future, while citizens should also recognise the challenges facing their leaders, he said.
“When people trust, support follows,” Jokowi said, adding that genuine understanding between both sides creates the foundation for peace.
He said peace ultimately begins with “hearts willing to listen” and the courage to understand one another.
