President Jokowi Calls on Ulemas to Remind People about Harmony, Peace

President Jokowi gives his speech at the opening of the Nation’s Zikr and 1st National Working Meeting of the Zikr Assembly of Hubbul Wathon, at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, East Jakarta, Wednesday (21/2). (Photo by: Oji/Public Relations Division).

Ahead of simultaneous regional head elections (pilkada) to be held in 171 regions this year, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo invites ulemas to continue to enlighten and remind the people about harmony and peace, particularly in regions that will hold the elections, be it gubernatorial, regent, or mayoral elections.

“This is a fiesta of democracy of our people. Do not let our people mock each other, denounce each other, slander each other, and spread fake news, mainly in social media. Those are prohibited by our religion,” the President said at the opening of the nation’s Zikr and the 1^st National Working Meeting of the Zikr Assembly of Hubbul Wathon, at Pondok Gede Hajj Dormitory, in East Jakarta, Wednesday (21/2).

The President also called for unity, brotherhood, and harmony and called on ulemas to continue to keep ukhuwah Islamiyyah (Islamic brotherhood) and ukhuwah wathoniyah (nationalism). “By maintaining harmony and brotherhood, we will be able to build our beloved country in order to bring prosperity for our people,” the President said, adding that during elections there is usually a tendency to provoke and to spread fake news that could create instability.

“Hopefully, insha Allah, there is no such thing this year and next year,” the President said.

This is our common task and responsibility to keep the country safe, peaceful, and free from conflicts so that the development and prosperity of the country can continue to be improved, said the President.

President Jokowi also stated that as an umaro (leader) it is important for him to receive suggestions, inputs, and above all, prayers from ulemas. The President also emphasized that relationship between ulemas and umaro should be improved. This is partly in addition to their religious knowledge that can guide umaro, ulemas are also the mouthpiece of the voice of the people, ummah, students, and santri (Islamic students) throughout the country.

Similarly, the Government (umaro) President Jokowi added, also has a duty in conveying to the people and the public regarding the Government’s programs that have been carried out.

Also accompanying the President at the event were Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Minister of Defence Ryamizard Ryacudu, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Commander of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) KH. Ma’ruf Amin, and senior ulema KH. Maimun Zubair. (FID/OJI/ES) (MUR/EP/YM/Naster).