Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Grand Ceremony of Muhammadiyah Youth Force Preparedness Command (KOKAM), September 20, 2023

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Alhamdulillah hirabbil alamin,

Asyhadu alla ilaaha Illallah wahdahulaa syarikalah, wa asyhadu anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu warasuluh, alladzi la nabiyah ba’da ama ba’du.

Coordinating Ministers and Ministers, Vice Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Chief of the National Police, Governor of Central Java, Mayor of Solo,

General Secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board and all High Ranks of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah,

Chairman of Muhammadiyah Youth Central Board and all Staff,

Rector of the Solo Muhammadiyah University (UMS) and Muhammadiyah Executive Council of Central Java,

Chairman of KOKAM, SAR, all Indonesian KOKAM cadres, and big family of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiah Central Board,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

At the outset, I would like to convey my gratitude to all Muhammadiyah Central Board and KOKAM Muhammadiyah for your active contribution and concern about helping people.

In my opinion, these are the reasons why Muhammadiyah is more loved by the people, more loved by the community. The culture of helping and caring for each other is the noble value of grace from Allah subhaanahu wa ta’alaa, enabling Indonesia to address and surmoiunt the challenges well.

It is therefore, alhamdulillah praise to God, Indonesia is one of few countries which can maintain and even grow its economy amid global challenges.

We must maintain this good momentum. Moreover, we will welcome a huge agenda of the 2024 General Election. Indeed, we have conducted five general elections which, I believe, have shown that we have a mature democracy. However, we cannot deny that risks and tension potentials still prevail at which the role and contribution of volunteers and youth organizations such as KOKAM Muhammadiyah is essential.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

People cannot be divided because of general elections. Peace cannot be torn apart because of general elections. And, this nation’s leap toward the progress cannot be hindered just because of transfer of power. In democracy, differences in choices are natural. Different choices are normal. Winning and losing are also normal. Arguing is also normal. The most important thing is to maintain unity and integrity together.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am never tired of saying that the challenges ahead will not be easy. However, we can turn these challenges into an opportunity for this nation to leap forward as long as we have consistency and continuity of what has been going on, of what we have done. Do not let the change of leaders, visions, and orientations lead us to start everything from scratch. We have finished our elementary school, junior high school, high school. Don’t go back. We must continue to reach bachelor, master, doctoral and higher degrees.

This nation needs a consistent leader. I repeat, this nation needs a consistent leader who dares to make decisions, to take a risk, and to face anyone and any countries for the interest of our country and people. This nation needs leaders who unite and serve the people as well as are able to work at both macro and micro levels, and in detail.

Currently, it is impossible for us to only think at the macro level. We must also look at the   micro level. The details must be rechecked. Therefore, it is my fervent hope that the big family of Muhammadiyah can maintain a peaceful General Election as well as the development sustainability for the Advanced Indonesia that we aspire to be.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

KOKAM, are you ready?

KOKAM.

Thank you.

(GA/EP)