President Jokowi Hopes Dzikir Akbar is Held in Commemoration of Independence Day

President Jokowi delivers a remarks in the National Halaqah (religious gathering) of Alim Ulama (Muslim Scholars) of the Majelis Dzikir Hubbul Wathon, at the Flores Ballroom, Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday (13/7)

A series of the Commemoration of Indonesia’s 72^nd Independence Day in August should be started with a dzikir akbar (mass chants in praise of God) or istighosah (mass prayer) at the State Palace’s Field, Jakarta, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo expressed his will.

“Regarding the format, I let the ulama (Muslim Scholars) to choose between dzikir akbar, istighosah, or other activities. But, I want the event to be held in the Palace, or at the Field of the Palace,” President Jokowi said in a remarks in the National Halaqah (religious gathering) of Alim Ulama (Muslim Scholars) of Majelis Dzikir Hubbul Wathon, at the Flores Ballroom, Borobudur Hotel, Jakarta, on Thursday (13/7).

The President hopes the event can be done on August, 1^st, as the opening of a series of the Commemoration of Indonesia’s 72^nd Independence Day, while on the days after, several other events will follow. “It should be opened by Majelis Dzikir Hubbul Wathon. The event can take place in the morning, afternoon, or in the evening. I let the official (ulama) to decide,” the President said.

A number of ulama attended the National Halaqah (religious gathering) of Alim Ulama (Muslim Scholars) of Majelis Dzikir Hubbul Wathon which adopted a theme ‘Stengthening the Foundation of Indonesia’s Nationalism Islam’ were Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Chairman KH. Prof. Dr. Ma’ruf Amin, Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Said Aqil Siroj, KH Maimun Zubair, Kyai Miftahul Akhiyar, Kyai Anwar Mansur, and Tuan Guru Turmudzi. Meanwhile, President Jokowi, in that event, was accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Head of National Intelligence Agency (BIN) Budi Gunawan, and Jakarta Police Chief. Insp. Gen. M. Iriawan. (FID/ES) (RA/MMB/YM/Naster)