Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo offered a public apology on Thursday evening as his second and final term approaches its end in two and a half months.

Speaking before hundreds during the National Remembrance and Prayer event at the State Palace, the president acknowledged the imperfections of his administration over nearly a decade of governance.

Jokowi was joined by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin and several cabinet members.

"On this particular moment, on the first day of August, and with utmost sincerity, allow me and Ma'ruf Amin to extend our apologies for all mistakes and mistreatment which occurred as we carried out the people’s mandate as the president and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia," Jokowi said.

The event, marked by the repeated recitation of Islamic phrases and prayers, was held to inaugurate the month of celebration for the country’s independence anniversary on August 17.

This will be the last Independence Day celebration for Jokowi as president.

"We realize that we cannot please everyone. I’m not perfect because perfection belongs to Allah alone," Jokowi said.

"I call on all participants to recite prayers together and seek help from Allah to pave the way for achieving the shared aspiration of becoming a developed nation. May Allah grant our prayers."