Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Occasion of Prayer for the Nation and Humanity Thursday, 14 May 2020 At the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Good morning,

May peace be upon us all,

Om Swastiastu,

Namo Buddhaya,

Greeting of virtue.

Honorable Vice President,

Honorable Speakers and Leaders of the House of Representatives, the People’s Consultative Assembly, the Regional Representatives Council of the Republic of Indonesia,

Honorable Indonesia Onward Cabinet Ministers,

Honorable Alim Ulama (clerics), religious figures attending this event, including Prof. Quraish Shihab, the Cardinal, Reverend Ronny Mandang, Ida Pedanda Bang Buruan Manuaba, Banthe Sri Pannavaro Mahathera, Budi Tanuwibowo, and all religious figures in Indonesia whom I cannot mention one by one.

Distinguised Chairperson of COVID-19 Task Force,

My Fellow Countrymen.

Currently, Indonesia and countries worldwide are facing dreadful ordeal, trial, difficult times, and striving to pass the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak has spread rapidly to more than 213 countries and nearly 4.4 million people worldwide have been infected by the virus. Many patients are receiving medical treatment in hospitals, doing self-isolation at home; many have passed away and hopefully they died husnul khotimah (with blessings ahead). However, many have also recovered thanks to God.

In this difficult time, we must stay optimistic and not lose hope. We must continue to make endeavor, do the utmost to protect ourselves, our families, our brothers and sisters, as well as our nation and country from the transmission of the coronavirus so that everyone can stay healthy.

In order to survive, we have to be discipline. Discipline to maintain health, to enhance immunity, to regularly wash hands with soap, to keep practicing a safe distance, to wear face masks, not to return to hometown (mudik), as well as to work, study, and worship from home.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In the midst of these trying times, I am truly grateful that people from all layers of society are supporting, contributing to set good examples, in helping each other and joining hands to help those in need. Social solidarity has been growing significantly everywhere, proven by neighbors taking care of each other, people from one village helping the other villages, and people from various ethnic groups and religions moving together to volunteer and sharing happiness, kindness, and care. The rising sense of humanity, brotherhood, and unity from everywhere is a great force that I believe can help us overcome this pandemic together.

Distinguised guests,

On top of the efforts that we have made, we must also pray endlessly and ask the Almighty God to free the people, nation, state, and the world from the ongoing pandemic. So that God may ease our difficulties and let us pass the trials.

Let us bow our heads together and humble ourselves as we ask the Almighty and the Most Merciful God to grant us patience to face these difficult times gracefully and to give strength so that we can all survive and pass the God’s trials. Let us face the trial with calm and patience. Panic is half of the disease, calmness is half of the remedy, and patience is the starting point for healing.

Lastly, I call on all Indonesians to avoid panic, to eliminate anxiety, while keeping optimism, empathy, and solidarity among us. It is time for us to pay closer attention to our surroundings, to help our brothers and sisters, neighbors, friends and to join hands in easing the difficulty of our fellow countrymen. God willing, the Almighty God will show us, the Indonesian nation and citizens, the way to survive.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Om Santi Santi Santi Om,

God bless you.

Translated by: Rany Anjany

Reviewed by: Muhardi