Attending 73rd Anniversary of NU, President Jokowi Calls People to Maintain Tolerance, Mutual Respect
President Jokowi and First Lady Ibu Iriana attend the 73rd Anniversary of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Central Jakarta, Sunday (27/1). (Photo by : Rahmat/ PR Division)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo called for the importance to maintain the values of tolerance and mutual respect among ethnic groups because Indonesia is a large country with a population of 260 million people spreading across the nation, from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island. In addition, Indonesia is also home for diverse population and plurality with different religions, numerous different ethnicities and local languages.
The statements were made by the President during the 73rd Anniversary of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and mass prayer for the safety of the nation and state, at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Central Jakarta, Sunday (27/1).
President Jokowi, who is accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo on that occasion, went on to say that the moderation of Islam means consideration and respect towards different ethnicities, religions, and languages. He also reminded thousands of NU Muslimat members attending the event to not reproach, insult, and mock each other, as well as to not spread hoaxes.
It is sunnatullah (the rules of the universe governed by Allah) that Indonesia is full of diversities, the Head of State said adding the importance to preserve ukhuwah or brotherhood.
At the end of his remarks, President Jokowi wished Happy 73rd Anniversary for Muslimat NU.
On the same occasion, Nahdlatul Ulama Chairman Said Aqil Siradj said that while women is perpetuated in Al-Quran Surah An-Nisa (The Women), there is no surah called Arrijal (The Men) in Al-Quran.
In addition, the first martyr in Islam is Sumayyah bint Khabbat who died because she refused to abandon Islam. For that reason, the NU Chairman called on all muslims to be moderate, not radical, and not extreme.
We must preserve moderation, as we preserve the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila. That is the character of Islam, he firmly said.
In the meantime, General Chairperson of Muslimat NU Khofifah Indar Parawansa asserted that the NU has generated many figures of integrity.
Muslimat is part of those who are being grateful for Gods blessings, Khofifah said while adding that Indonesia is a country of diversity.
The NU, Khofifah added, teaches us to be tawasuth or moderate; differences can be addressed by moderation.
Muslimat NUs strength is its independence. We build independence from the branch, regional, and central levels, she said.
Also on that occasion, Khofifah read a declaration against hoaxes, slanders, and gossips; that reads as follows:
By the Grace of Allah the Almighty, we, members of Muslimat NU, declare:
- Against hoaxes, slanders, and gossips that can lead to discord and disintegration of the nation;
- Will not spread and make false news, hate speech, slanders, and gossips;
- Will always filter information before spreading it;
- Will always think possitive in order to strengthen national brotherhood and unity.
Develop the country by possitive mind, Khofifah firmly said.
Also attending the event were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Village, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration Eko Putro Sandjojo, Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi, and Governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan. (EN/RAH/ES)
Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani
