President Jokowi Invites People to Maintain Brotherhood

President Jokowi delivers his remarks at an amicable gathering at Darul Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Jombang, East Java, Tuesday (18/12). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo once again called on people to maintain solidarity and harmony amidst Indonesia’s diversity. Indonesia’s identity, the President added, is its diversity in culture, custom, religion, and language.

“Let us maintain our unity, ukhuwah (brotherhood), and harmony among different ethnicities, religions, customs, and traditions. Once again, it is the God’s destiny for us,” President Jokowi said during a silaturahmi (amicable gathering) with ulemas (Islamic scholars), kiai (religious leaders), and santri (students) of Darul ‘Ulum Islamic Boarding School, Jombang Regency, East Java, on Tuesday (18/12).

The President also reminded the participants that Indonesia is a big country consisting of  714 ethnicities, and various languages as well as local cultures. Despite our differences, we must maintain the unity, live in harmony, and enjoy the diversities that are blessed by God. “We are all compatriots, do not forget that,” the President firmly said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also mentioned about the upcoming election. He reminded people that that elections be it for regent, mayor, governor, and president are quinquennial events. Thus, the President asked all to not sacrifice our ukhuwah (brotherhood) because of this democratic fiesta.

For the record, at 11 a.m. Western Indonesian Time, President Jokowi and his entourage arrived at Darul ‘Ulum Islamic Boarding School that was established in 1885. Upon his arrival, the President met and talked with the Head of Darul ‘Ulum Islamic Boarding School KH Ahmad Tamim Romli. Afterwards, the President performed Zuhr prayer in congregation at a Secretariat Room before meeting with santri.

In that event, the Head of State also signed an inauguration inscription of low-cost apartment buildings (rusun) of Darul ‘Ulum Islamic University. The development of apartment buildings is one of the Government’s projects which is implemented by Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing for 2018 Budget Year.

Also joining President Jokowi were Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Muhaimin Iskandar, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Governor of East Java Soekarwo, and Presidential Special Staff Johan Budi S.P. (BPMI Setpres/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana Bonaedy