President Jokowi Inaugurates the 48th National Congress of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah
President Jokowi inaugurates the 48th Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah National Congress in Solo city, Central Java province, on Saturday (11/19). (Photo: screen capture)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the 48th National Congress (Muktamar) of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah in 2022, on Saturday (11/19) morning. During the congress held in Manahan Stadium, Surakarta city (also known as Solo city), President Jokowi stated that he was happy to meet the congress participants.
“I am so grateful, I am so happy, and feel highly honored to attend the Muhammadiyah dan ‘Aisyiyah National Congress today. Alhamdulillah, Bu Iriana and I can meet all of you, Ladies and Gentlemen,” President Jokowi expressed.
President Jokowi arrived in Surakarta at about 11.00 pm from Bangkok, Thailand, after attending The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. Previously, on 13 – 17 November, the President was in Bali attending a series of the G20 Summit events, and on 10 – 13 November, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, attending the 40th and 41th Summits of the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN).
“The APEC Summit is supposed to conclude this evening, but since I respect the invitation from the Executive Boards of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, I left the summit earlier before other leaders, so I can meet all of you, Ladies and Gentlemen,” the President said.
Before the conference participants, the Head of State also expressed his appreciation to the big families of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah for their support in the handling of COVID-19 pandemic in the last three years.
“I thank you for generating more than 120 Muhammadiyah hospitals and 235 Muhammadiyah health clinics that have actively educated the people, and providing medication and vaccination during the pandemic,” he mentioned.
The President revealed that Indonesia is one of the countries which have successfully controlled the COVID-19 pandemic. With more than 440 million doses of COVID-19 vaccination that have been injected to the people, Indonesia is among the countries with the highest COVID-19 vaccination jabs.
“Our success in handling the pandemic has been an important foundation in our national economic recovery,” he added.
However, President Jokowi reminded all elements that global challenges still remain.
“Pandemic is not fully over, yet another issue comes up. The war in Ukraine has hindered global supply chain, so food prices are rising, and the prices of oil and electricity are skyrocketing in the whole world,” he asserted.
Moreover, President Jokowi further explained, global competition is increasing. Therefore, Indonesia needs to focus on developing the quality of its human resources, as well as applying science and technology in order to be competitive.
The President also expressed his appreciation to the entire family of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah that have greatly contributed to enhancing the quality and science and technology mastery of their human resources through the educational institutions under their management. Muhammadiyah dan ‘Aisyiyah have more than 170 colleges, 1,364 high schools/other high school level institutions, 1,826 junior high schools/other junior high school level institutions, 2,817 elementary schools/other elementary school level institutions, 440 Islamic boarding schools, and 20,233 kindergartens, early childhood education and development, and playgroups.
“Through these educational institutions, I express the hope that all of you, Ladies and Gentlemen, will continue to play central roles in advancingIslam that promotes advancement, values of tolerance, maintains unity, brotherhood and peace, according to the principle saying that Islam is a blessing for the universe,” the President said.
In addition, through Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah education, the Head of State also expressed his hope that the education should be strengthened for a sustainable and environment-friendly development.
“Human dependence on nature is very high, let alone that Indonesian natural potentials are enormous, be it on the land or in the sea. So, we need to use them wisely. Therefore, I hope all of you, Ladies and Gentlemen, besides the principles of hablum minallah (relationship between human and Allah the God) and hablum minannas (relationship among human being), please support the principle of hablum minal alam (relationship between human and the nature) which emphasizes the importance of natural and environment sustainability,” the President expressed his hope.
President Jokowi expressed his belief that with all the supports extended by all elements, including Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, Indonesia will strive to advance in the midst of a gloomy world.
“With the supports of the big family of Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah, Indonesia can be a bright spot in a gloomy world. Indonesia is like the sun that brightens up the world. May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala, God the Most Merciful, give His blessings to Indonesian people,” he said.
Also attending the event were the 10th and 12th Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Ibu Mufidah Kalla, Chairman of the House of Representatives Puan Maharani, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Cultural Affairs Muhadjir Effendy, The Chairman of Muhammadiyah Organization Haedar Nashir, The Chairman of ‘Aisyiyah Organization Siti Noordjanah Djohantini, and Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo. (FID/UN) (AW/HD/LW)
