Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Office Building of Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), in East Jakarta, 24 December 2021
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Distinguished Bapak Muhammad Jusuf Kalla (JK), the 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) and the entire board,
Honorable Ministers of the Indonesian Onward Cabinet, Governor of Jakarta, Head of the DMI Office Development,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is true what Mr. JK said that when he was vice president, he told me “Sir, DMI does not have its own office for almost 50 years. I’ve changed office building five times during my time as Chairperson.” So, in 50 years, just imagine how many times all chairpersons had to change their offices.
So, thank God, looking for the best location, we can use the former BLBI land asset seized by Ministry of Finance. And, I think the location is appropriate here in Matraman Street. Because it is close to IPHI (Indonesian Hajj Fellowship Association) office, Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board headquarters, Muhammadiyah regional office, DDII (Indonesian Islamic Propagation Council) office, and MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) office. I think the location is very suitable, Mr. JK. Mr. JK chose the location. “I choose this location, sir,” because there are several alternatives. It is a good choice.
I hope that with the new office DMI will be even more eager to make mosques not only places of worship for Muslims but also educational centers as well as intellectual da’wah centers. They should also serve as places for deliberation to build unity, to strengthen the national bond, as centers for developing and improving people’s welfare, as previously stated by the Chairperson.
As centers of da’wah and education, the mosques are also places for people to obtain information, deepen religious knowledge, manifest the knowledge into good deeds and noble characters, making Islam a mercy for the universe. So that mosques contribute to building the civilization of our country, Indonesia, and also build superior human resources with noble characters.
I also agree with what Mr. JK said previously, that it is the effort of the Indonesian Mosque Council to prosper and be prospered by the mosque. Therefore, mosques must function as places to boost the people’s economy. Mosques are truly trying to build a civilized society, a society that is economically, politically, and culturally empowered. Join the Government in reducing unemployment, eradicating poverty, and suppressing the inequality that we are currently facing, so that the people’s welfare will improve.
This concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion.
I was surprised at the beginning, it was Ustadh Syam who recited the Quran earlier. He is Mrs. Jokowi’s idol. After shubuh prayer, she would nudge me when I have to go during his preach together with Ustadh Maulana. I didn’t know it was him when he wore the mask, I only recognized him after he took off the mask. Thank you, Ustadh.
This concludes my remarks. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, today I hereby inaugurate office building of Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Mosque Council.
I thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(FI/LW)