Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the Opening of 16th GP Ansor Congress at Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta City, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, February 2, 2024

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Alhamdulillahirabbil ‘alamin, washalatu wasalamu ‘ala asrafil ambiya’i wal mursalin, sayyidina wa habibina wa syafiina wa maulana Muhammadin, wa ‘ala alihi washahbihi ajma’in. Amma ba’du.

Good morning and may peace be upon us.

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Presidential Chieff of  Staff, TNI Commander, Indonesian Police Chief, Acting Governor of Special Capital Region of Jakarta, Head of General Elections Commission (KPU).

Honorable Chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) Kiai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf;

Honorable General Chairperson of GP Ansor Gus Haji Yaqut Cholil Qoumas and members of Advisory Board, Instructor Board, as well as heads and board management members of regionals and branches of GP Ansor across the country and abroad.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I have often attended congresses or national meetings of youth mass organizations, but this is the first time I attend a congress on a ship. It seems that GP Ansor wants to seek a different atmosphere. This is a sign that GP Ansor is innovative and creative. Since nowadays creativity and innovation are the keys to facing various changes and disruptions that are currently sweeping the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to convey my appreciation to the roles of GP Ansor in social and national matters, especially in campaigning for religious moderation and guarding political democratization. I hope the future face of Nahdlatul Ulama will be filled by the leadership and direction of GP Ansor’s movements today. Today’s youth are the leaders of the future.

We know that the general election on February 14 is a major national agenda. Since now we are so close to the election, I do not dare mention any numbers, nor will I mention the last name of the Police Chief or the TNI Commander like the General Chairperson of GP Ansor earlier. Once again, the general election on February 14 is a major national agenda. Therefore, our support and participation is required. It is clear, we must be committed to creating a general election in democratic, safe, orderly, and transparent manners. Most importantly, it must be encouraging, not create any disturbance, fear, or worry. The unity and integrity of the nation must be above everything else. Do you agree?

Once again, the unity and integrity of the nation must be above everything else. This is fardhu ain—obligatory—that GP Ansor must always be at the forefront to maintain the brotherhood and integrity of Indonesia. Do you agree? You must actively involve to diffuse situation if the tension arises, but there is no need to do anything if the situation is already in favorable manner. Nevertheless, if the situation gets worse, I ask you to be involved in easing it and providing clarification so that people are not drawn into fake news and hoaxes that harm us all. General election is the people’s fiesta.

And I call on the ulemas, religious leaders, intellectuals, and GP Ansor extended family to make the general elections a success to maintain our democracy and ensure sustainable development. Development in all sectors has come a long way and we must protect it as well as possible. Advanced Indonesia and Golden Indonesia that we aspire to, can only be achieved with consistency of struggle, with continuity, by moving forward relentlessly and consistently. Meaning, our job is not only to secure the general election, but also to guard and support the Government in the future in carrying its duties as well as possible so Indonesia can triumph in global competition which is getting tougher and tougher. We must be introspective amid the uncertain global situation, full of uncertainty.

We must continue to defend humanitarian values. We must fight for Palestinian independence. Indonesia is fighting for a two-state solution, together with the Palestinian people fighting for their independence. We are strong, not only for our own nation but for global peace, Islamic brotherhood, and human brotherhood.

That concludes my speech on this auspicious occasion.

By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I hereby open the 16th GP Ansor Congress of 2024.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(GWH/LW)