Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia on the 101st Anniversary of Nahdlatul Ulama and the 78th Anniversary of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama, at Gelora Bung Karno Senayan Main Stadium, Special Capital Province of Jakarta, January 20, 2024
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Bismillahirrahmanirrahim. Alhamdulillahirrabbilalamin, wassalatu wassalamu’ala ashrafil anbiya i wal-mursalin, Sayidina wa habibina wa syafiina wa maulana Muhammaddin, wa’ala alihi wa sahbihi ajma’in amma ba’du.
Distinguished the fourth First Lady, Mrs. Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid;
Distinguished Rais Aam (supreme leader) of PBNU Kiai Haji Miftachul Akhyar;
Distinguished Chairman of PBNU, Mr. Kiai Haji Yahya Cholil Staquf;
Distinguished Chairman of PP Muslimat NU, Doctor Hajjah Khofifah Indar Parawansa, along with all regional and branch managers, as well as the extended family of Muslimat NU;
Distinguished Chairman of MUI, Mr. Kiai Haji Anwar Iskandar;
Distinguished my teacher Habib Luthfi bin Yahya;
Distinguished Ministers, TNI Commander and National Police Chief, [Acting] Governor of Jakarta;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
First of all, I would like to wish the entire Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) Muslimat family a happy 78th birthday. May the NU Muslimat always be united, harmonious, for the benefit of the people, the nation and the state. I know that women are usually more enthusiastic than men. Is that true? Is that right? I know that the women who are present here come from all corners of Indonesia. From East Java? From East Java, from West Java, from Central Java, from Banten, from Lampung, from Sumatra, from Kalimantan, and also many from abroad. Earlier Mrs. Khofifah said there are people from London, from Saudi, from the US. Are you all healthy? Alhamdulillah.
On behalf of the people, nation and state, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the NU Muslimat who always protect the Republic of Indonesia, safeguard Pancasila, who always care for the unity and harmony [in order] to realize advanced Indonesia. The NU Muslimat is truly extraordinary.
We should be grateful to Allah SWT because Indonesia has so far been able to overcome various world challenges and domestic challenges. We remember that COVID-19 has hit the whole world for almost two years, but we were able to overcome it, both in the health sector and economic sector. Until now, there are 96 other countries that have not been able to solve their economic problems. Their health problems can be solved but their economic problems have not been solved. Ninety six countries slumped and even became IMF patients. We should once again be grateful. We are even among the five best countries in the world for the economic sector. We should be grateful, thanks to the role of all components of the nation, including NU Muslimat.
The Government, amidst its limitations, continues to strive to be present for the people. For example, this year, the subsidies and social assistance that we have disbursed have reached to Rp443 trillion. This is huge. This includes KIS BPJS health cards, so those who go to the hospital don’t have to pay anymore. Who has enjoyed the benefit? Then the Smart [Indonesia] Card and College Card. Whose children have enjoyed the benefit? Then the Hope Family Program (PKH) and Basic Food Cards. The PKH was disbursed to 9.9 million families, not all 280 million citizens. You are already wealthy enough. This is all given to maintain people’s purchasing power. The Government must continue to maintain this momentum, must continue to improve it to achieve our dream, a golden Indonesia in 2045.
I want someone to come to the stage. Raise your hands and answer the question. Who remember the principles of Pancasila? Wait a moment. I will point out two people who can mention the principles of Pancasila. Yes, you. The enthusiastic one. Please introduce your name.
Muslimat NU 1 (Mrs. Rohana)
My name is Rohana, Branch Manager from Ogan Komering Ulu regency, Baturaja, South Sumatra.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ogan Komering Ulu. Please repeat your name?
Muslimat NU 1 (Mrs. Rohana)
Rohana, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mrs. Rohana from Ogan Komering Ulu. What is the first principle of Pancasila?
Muslimat NU 1 (Mrs. Rohana)
Pancasila.
One, Belief in the one and only God;
Two, Just and civilized humanity;
Three, The unity of Indonesia;
Four, Democratic life led by wisdom of thoughts in deliberation among representatives of the people ;
Five, Social justice for all Indonesian people.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
This is Muslimat NU. Everyone must already memorize Pancasila very well. I give you a bicycle, ma’am. Next, please, introduce yourself.
Fatayat NU Temanggung (Mrs. Vitanora Purnamasari)
My name is Vitanora Purnamasari.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Where are you from?
Fatayat NU Temanggung (Mrs. Vitanora Purnamasari)
Fatayat NU Temanggung.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Fatayat NU Temanggung. Please, Mrs. Vita, recite the Pancasila.
Fatayat NU Temanggung
Pancasila.
One, Belief in the one and only God.
Dua, the unity….
I am sorry, Sir, I am very nervous.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Wait a moment. Off stage, you must already memorize Pancasila but once you get on stage, you feel nervous and forget it all, right?
Fatayat NU Temanggung
True. Because I am a big fan of you.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay, please repeat.
Fatayat NU Temanggung
One, Belief in the one and only God;
Two, Just and civilized humanity;
Three, The unity of Indonesia;
Four, Democratic life led by wisdom of thoughts in deliberation among representatives of the people;
Five, Social justice for all Indonesian people.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s right. So once again, I don’t doubt Muslimat NU, Fatayat NU, about Pancasila. Thank you, ma’am, thank you, thank you. Please take the bike. Lastly, who knows about stunting? Those who know about stunting, please come.
Ladies and Gentlemen, NU Muslimat ladies,
Soon we will have general elections: presidential elections and legislative elections. The election process is very important and very decisive. However, we don’t want end up blaspheming each other because of the elections, because of differences of opinion, because of different choices, right? You can’t insult each other, you can’t badmouth each other. It’s not okay if you don’t greet each other. Fellow women, you can’t ignore each other. Do not fight each other. Don’t let us be pitted against each other, don’t let us be clashed, don’t let us be divided. Do you agree? Because of what? Because what is more important is national integrity, national unity, national harmony. Agree?
Now, please introduce your name.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager
Thank you, alhamdulillah, I am very grateful and proud to be here from Makassar using my own money.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
From Makassar?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager
Yes, from Makassar.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
What’s your name?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
My name is Agustia from Pangkep, Pangkajene and Islands regency.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Mrs. Agustia from Makassar. Any stunting case in your province?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
So, there is stunting case.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
To prevent our children getting stunting, what must be done?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
One way to overcome stunting in Pangkajene is that the Regent provides nutritional food to pregnant women, work together with parents of the early childhood education (PAUD) to provide additional food. For the record, I am a PAUD teacher.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
So provide additional food or nutrition for pregnant women?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Yes.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Right.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Continue to collaborate with integrated health services.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
For what?
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
To check the condition of pregnant women, give additional food. There is a program called nutrition house.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That’s correct.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Yes, Sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Thank you.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
I am a PAUD teacher. We also collaborate with all stakeholders to prevent stunting.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Thank you, Mrs. Agustia.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Can I take a photo with you, sir? I come all the way from Makassar.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Okay.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Please, help me take photo.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Thank you, Ma’am. You can take the bike.
Pangkajene and Islands Branch Manager (Mrs. Agustia)
Yes, thank you, sir.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, let us strengthen our friendship, strengthen our ties to look after each other, remind each other so that the situation remains cool, harmonious, and happy. And, I know that NU Muslimat are the best at this matter. I also have to admit, women are really the champions. Thank you.
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
(EST/MMB)