Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the 9th Anniversary of the Passing of M. Taufiq Kiemas and Inauguration of At-Taufiq Mosque, Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, Special Capital Region of Jakarta, June 8, 2022
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Alhamdulillahi rabbil alamin, washalatu wassalamu ‘ala asrafil ambiya’i wal mursalin, sayyidina wa habibina wa syafiina wa maulana Muhammadin, wa‘ala alihi wasohbihi ajma’in. Amma ba’du. [Introduction of a remarks in Islamic fashion]
Distinguished the 5th President of Indonesia, Chairperson of PDI Perjuangan (the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle), Prof. Dr. Hj. Megawati Soekarnoputri;
Distinguished Deputy Speaker of MPR (People’s Consultative Assembly) and Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet in attendance;
Distinguished Leaders of PBNU (Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board);
Distinguished Leaders of Muhammadiyah;
Distinguished Secretary Generals and members of PDI Perjuangan central managing board, and senior members of PDI Perjuangan;
Ladies and Gentlemen, Esteemed Guests.
This afternoon, I am grateful that we can attend the inauguration of At-Taufiq Mosque, in Lenteng Agung. I am delighted, first, because Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri and I have agreed to attend this event. Two months ago, Ibu Puan Maharani reminded me about the event, and last week she reminded me once again.
I consider Ibu Mega as my own mother. I have a lot of respect for her and we have an emotional bond just like a mother and her son. I have a great respect for her who is always full of trust and never changes. And if there are some differences between a son and a mother during the long journey, it’s totally normal.
Second, I am here at At-Taufiq Mosque to reminisce roles of the late Taufiq Kiemas in Indonesia’s political history. He was a religious national figure. He was raised in a religious family with strong nationalism. He was a politician with broad network, an excellent communicator who was able to unify the nation and embrace diversity. He was known as the Father of Four Pillars for his dedication to internalize Pancasila, the 1945 Constitutions, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. He was a renowned humanitarian who showed great social concern about education and volunteerism.
Third, I hope this mosque, named after Bapak Muhammad Taufiq Kiemas, plays at least two central roles. It indeed serves as a house of worship for Muslims as taught by Prophet Muhammad PBUH. In addition, it is also expected to serve as a center for strengthening Indonesia’s modern civilization. A civilization that does not set Islam against Pancasila. In fact, it strengthens synergy between Pancasila and Islam, Pancasila and religions, fosters harmony between four state pillars, namely Pancasila, the 1945 Constitutions, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and religions. Indonesia’s civilization is the one that brings progress to the country, brings prosperity and dignity to the people. It materializes an advanced Indonesia as aspired by Bung Karno and the founding fathers of Indonesia.
That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I inaugurate At-Taufiq Mosque in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(RAS/MUR)