JAKARTA: President Joko Widodo praised Indonesian singer Putri Ariani for winning the 'Golden Buzzer' in America's Got Talent programme which is also a source of inspiration for the younger generation.
Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, has urged the younger generation to exhibit their talents with confidence and to emulate the dedication of Putri Ariani, who is good in developing talent.
"There is no such thing as obstacles if you have strong willpower and are willing to work hard," he said while receiving a visit from Putri Ariani who was accompanied by her parents at Istana Merdeka, on Wednesday.
During the auditions for the 18th season in the United States last week, Putri Ariani performed her own song titled 'Loneliness'.
The performance that amazed the judges and the audience was followed by the second song 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word', popularised by Elton John, and also given the "Golden Buzzer" by judge Simon Cowell.
The 'Golden Buzzer' qualifies Putri Ariani to automatically enter the 'live show' segment in August and the audience would be able to vote.
Jokowi also invited his 53 million Instagram 'followers' to support Putri Ariani and invited her to the Independence Day celebration on Aug 17 if it doesn't interfere with her schedule because the preparation for the competition is the top priority.
Putri Ariani is grateful for Jokowi's encouragement and the pocket money he gave to ease expenses while participating in the competition.
During the meeting, she stated: "Everything that I have done shows that 'we're able, we're capable, and we're equal."
"For me there are no more obstacles, we should not wait for opportunities but instead create opportunities for ourselves. Fight off insecurities and feel more grateful, reduce 'overthinking' and become more 'positive thinking'," she said.
She also sang two self-composed songs titled 'Loneliness' and 'Permata Indah Dunia' accompanied by the piano in front of Jokowi. -- BERNAMA