Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of the 2023 International Sufi Conference, Sahid International Convention Center, Pekalongan City, Central Java Province, August 29, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Distinguished Supreme Leader (Rais Aam) of JATMAN, Leader of the World Sufi Assembly (WSA) and patron of International Sufi Assembly, my teacher, Assayid Dr. Al-Habib Muhammad Luthfi Ali bin Hasyim bin Yahya,

Distinguished Committee Member of World Sufi Assembly Sheikh Syuhumi Al-Idris,

Distinguished Egypt’s Al-Azhar Sheikh Usamah and Sheikhs,

Distinguished Sheikhs, Habibs, Muridin (students), Muhibbin (friends),

Excellencies Ambassadors of friendly countries participating in the assembly,

Distinguished Chairperson of the International Sufi Assembly Bapak H. Prabowo Subianto,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet,

Distinguished Governor of Central Java and Madame, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and all staff,

Distinguished Heads of Islamic boarding schools,

Distinguished participants of the Al-Alami Sufi Assembly,

Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests,

Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah Swt for His guidance and support, we have succeeded in getting through the pandemic, and our economy keeps growing positively, and gradually be able to get back to normal activities and recover. I need to keep reminding you of this, because we remember that during the pandemic, it was hard for us to go outside, to just go to another city is difficult. At that time, I was wondering when the pandemic would be over, it was incalculable, only our surrender to Allah Swt that was able to encourage us all. It was horrible. It was unclear when the pandemic would end, every day the economic sector seemed to go down continually. Such circumstance, I think, was the challenge faced by all countries, not just Indonesia.

For that reason, on this noble occasion, I would like to express my gratitude to the ulemas, religious figures who constantly guide and pray for the safety, welfare and development of Indonesia. And, thank you for always teaching lessons on solidarity, peace, harmony, tolerance in the midst of our diversity and unity, in the midst of the differences we have.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must continue to remind each other of our differences, diversity, but diversity must be followed by tolerance in the face of differences. Moderate attitudes and mutual interaction will allow us to unite in diversity. ‘Unity in diversity’.

As a plural country, ‘unity in diversity’ is the spirit of Indonesian nation with its 270 million diverse population, diverse ethnicities and religions. Alhamdulillah, our unity is solid, alhamdulillah, we can maintain our political stability owing to the moderate character of the Indonesian nation that fosters tolerance and unity.

Indeed, there are still some cases of intolerance. We must focus on this together in order to improve tolerance, so peace can be maintained in Indonesia and the world. I believe that tasawwuf (inwardness in Islam) practices have an important role in promoting the values of universal humanism with the Islamic principle of wasathiyah (moderation). A moderate Islam that will continue to strengthen tolerance, unity, and solidarity.

And this International Sufi Conference is very important for Indonesia, so that Indonesia will be more recognised as an example of moderate Islam, will increase the world’s trust in Indonesia, and make Indonesia be more respected.

This conference also has a very essential meaning, it proves that Indonesia’s Islam is not marginal anymore, and it also has a very strategic role and contributes to the development of a peaceful and harmonious global civilization. The conference has manifested the high values of tasawwuf, tariqah (Sufi path of spiritual development), and bring these values closer to every country.

I believe that the high values of Indonesian culture, such as showing respectful, amiable, polite and sociable manners, as well as other national wisdoms will give colour to this noble conference. Let us continue to maintain solidarity and tolerance, to take a stand against hate speech, slander, and hoax, to practice dhikr and pray for the unity and solidness of our beloved nation and country.

Lastly, I would like to express hope that this conference can be an inspiration and example of the Islamic world and guides the Islamic ummah towards improvement and goodness, provides solutions to the humanity crisis that the world is currently facing.

That concludes my statement.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially open the International Sufi Conference.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(SI/AW/MMB)