President Jokowi Invites Muhammadiyah Members to Realize Peaceful Elections

President Jokowi said at the KOKAM (a youth wing of Muhammadiyah) Grand Assembly at Manahan Stadium Solo, Surakarta, Central Java province, Wednesday (09/20). (Image source: a screenshot)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (09/20) invited the second largest Islamic organization in Indonesia Muhammadiyah to work hand-in-hand with the Government to realize peaceful elections next year.

“I hope for the support of Muhammadiyah members to maintain peaceful elections and sustainable development for the Advanced Indonesia that we aspire to,” President Jokowi said at the KOKAM (a youth wing of Muhammadiyah) Grand Assembly at Manahan Stadium Solo, Surakarta, Central Java province.

The President expressed believe that the country has matured in democracy and is ready to face the simultaneous elections next year. “However, potential risks and tensions will remain and this is where the role and contribution of volunteer organizations, youth organizations, such as KOKAM Muhammadiyah, is indispensable,” he added.

President Jokowi also stated that differences in choices, arguments, and even winning and losing are normal things in the elections and he urged the people to remain united.

“The people should not be divided because of the elections. Peace should not be torn apart because of the elections. The nation’s leap must not be hindered only by a struggle for power,” the Head of State said.

Furthermore, the President underlined that the country has the opportunity to leap into becoming a developed country amid the challenges in the future.

“As long as there is consistency and continuity of what is already running, of what we have done. The new leaders should not change the current vision and orientation and the Government has to start from the scratch,” President Jokowi said.

On that occasion, the President expressed appreciation for Muhammadiyah’s active contribution to the people and the country.

“The culture of mutual assistance and care is a noble value and a gift from Allah, which enables Indonesia to face various challenges so that they can be resolved well. Alhamdulillah, Indonesia is one of the few countries that is able to survive the economic turbulence and even grow amid severe global challenges,” President Jokowi remarked. (FID/UN) (GWH/LW)