President Jokowi Opens 27th MTQ in Medan
President Jokowi, accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Minister of Religious Affairs and Governor of North Sumatra, beats a traditional drum bedug to officially open the 27th Quran Recital Competition (MTQ) in Medan, North Sumatra, Sunday (7/10). Photo by: Rahmat/Public Relations Division of Cabinet Secretariat.
President Joko Jokowi Widodo, accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo, attended the opening of the 27th Quran Recital Competition (MTQ) in Medan, North Sumatra, Sunday (7/10).
During his remarks, the President said that Indonesian people, particularly those in the provinces of Central Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara, are facing hard times. “The quake and the tsunami in Central Sulawesi have claimed more than 1,600 lives. The previous series of quakes in West Nusa Tenggara have also claimed more than 500 lives,” President Jokowi said.
The President added that all of us certainly do not want disasters to happen, either in the form of natural disasters, diseases, accidents, or other calamities. However, according to him, calamity is a test for the faithful and Islam teaches Muslims to be patient, do our best and be vigilant in the face of every disaster.
On the occasion, President Jokowi also invited all those present at the event to jointly recite Al Fatihah (the first chapter/surah of the Quran) dedicated to victims and surviving families of the disasters.
In the meantime, Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi reported that the 27th National MTQ is attended by 1,550 delegates from 34 provinces of Indonesia.
Also present during the event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Village, Underdeveloped Regions and Transmigration Eko Putro Sandjojo, Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Syaifudin, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) Oesman Sapta Oedang, Governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo, Governor of North Sumatra Edy Rahmayadi and Ambassadors from friendly countries. (DNA/RAH/ES) (RI/EP/Naster)
