Diversity is God Gift to Indonesia, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi attends Commemoration of Isra Mi’raj (the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad) in Sukoharjo, Central Java, Wednesday (3/4). Photo by: Rahmat/PR.

Diversity in Indonesia should not weaken national solidarity, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

The President made the statement during Commemoration of Isra Mi’raj (the Ascension of the Prophet Muhammad) in Sukoharjo, Central Java, Wednesday (3/4).

“Our country is a big country, with 269 million people living in 17,000 islands,” he said.

The President added that diversity in Indonesia is a sunnatullah (God’s Law) and a blessing from Allah. He also called on the participants to maintain Islamic solidarity and national solidarity during the upcoming elections.  “We must maintain our ukhuwah islamiyah (Islamic solidarity), ukhuwah wathaniyah (national solidarity), as well as ukhuwah insaniyah and ukhuwah basyariyah (human solidarity),” the President concluded.

Also present during the event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Religious Afairs Lukman Hakim, Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, and Regent of Sukoharjo Wardoyo Wijaya. (RSF/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Edited by: Ersan Pamungkas