Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia (through Video Conference) at the 10th National Conference of the Indonesian Ulema Council, 25 November 2020, from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province
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 wasahbihi ajma’in. Amma ba’du.
Distinguished Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia Professor Kiai Haji Ma’ruf Amin,
Distinguished Ulemas, the Masyaikh,
Leaders of the Islamic Boarding Schools;
Distinguished Cabinet Ministers,
Distinguished, Chairperson and Board Members of the Central Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the entire ranks of Provincial MUI Leaders across Indonesia;
Distinguished Leaders of Islamic Organizations at the central level and regional level; Distinguished Rectors of Islamic Universities;
Ladies and gentlemen,
On this auspicious occasion, I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to all board members of the MUI at the Central and Regional level in Indonesia for their role as a bridge of communication between ulemas and the Government, between ulemas and umara, and for their contribution in empowering the economy of the people, so that a harmonious and positive relationship can be built, not only within the Muslim community, but also among inter-religious communities across the nation.
As of today, the Indonesian Ulema Council has become an umbrella organization for Muslims, as khadimul ummah, the servant of the ummah, with a proven commitment and role in guiding, fostering and protecting Muslims everywhere.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Government fully supports the efforts made by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to realize Islam as a “rahmatan lil ‘alamin” (blessing for the universe) in a diverse nation. The characteristic of Islam in Indonesia is identical with a cultural preaching approach that is persuasive and peaceful, without hatred. It is far from an extreme character and self-righteous feeling. It shows that the spirit of our Islamic preaching is peace because the essence of preaching is to invite people to the path of goodness according to the noble characters of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Praise be to God, the MUI’s efforts are supported by all elements of the nation who live in harmony and work hand in hand for the progress of the nation. The Government is not left alone and is supported by various Islamic mass organizations along with ulemas, habib, and Muslim scholars. This is our valuable asset as a nation.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Distinguished participants of the National Conference,
The Government continues to mobilize all resources to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by balancing health management with economic management, and ensuring that the people are safe from COVID-19 and productive, and survive.
I would like to express my appreciation for the MUI’s responsive measures in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 by issuing a number of fatwas and prayer guidelines to ensure the safety of the people during the prayer. The fatwas are very contextual and in line with the public interest. The MUI has also been very consistent in encouraging the public to comply with health protocols in every activity, including in worship and preaching activities.
Prioritizing safety in the midst of a pandemic threat is the principle of the sharia. The active involvement of the MUI to encourage ummah to follow health protocols is a good role model. With the example shown by of the ulemas, habib, religious leaders, and community leaders in complying with health protocols, God willing, the Government’s tough task will be easier.
On this auspicious occasion, I would also like ask the MUI to support the vaccination program which we will soon carry out to overcome the pandemic, to recover public health, and rebuild the economy.
That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion and by saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I officially open the 10th National Conference of the Indonesian Ulema Council.
I thank you.
Wassalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.
Translated by Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by M. Ersan Pamungkas