Vice President: Avoid Conflict, Maintain Unity, Prosperity and Justice

VP Jusuf Kalla in Anniversary of Muhammadiyah in Jakarta

Vice President (VP) Jusuf Kalla expressed his proudness as an Indonesian that we could enjoy a safe and peaceful country compared to other countries.

When delivering his speech in the celebration of 102^nd Muhammadiyah Anniversary and opening World Peace Forum in MPR Building Jakarta, on Thursday evening (20/11), VP Jusuf Kalla (JK) compared Indonesia to some Islamic countries in the world which were full of bombs, fights, and big conflicts which surely tormented its people.

“We are proud as a country with the biggest Muslim population; we can run the government safely and democratically. In contrast to other countries in which elections means fight, kill and shoot at each other,” VP continued.

VP said that 15 big conflicts occurred during 69 years of our independence. 10 of the 15 conflicts occurred due to economic, inter-region, social, and political inequities. Only 5 conflicts occurred due to ideology and separatist.

 “It means if we wish to bring life in peace, what matters the most is maintaining state justice among its people and regions,” VP said.

VP underlined that it was very important to maintain the state’s prosperity and progress as poverty could cause inequity and lead to conflict.

In the opportunity, VP stated firmly that all religions had the same goal and principle which was keeping peace. We said greeting every day, Assalamualaikum for Muslims, Shalom for Chirstians, Om Swastiastu for Hindus.

 “All of the greetings wish goodness for us all,” VP said.

Yet, religion conflict still occurred even though the greeting taught in all religions wishing goodness of everyone.

VP also reminded us that peace could not only be reached through having discussion, but also with acting fairly and prospering the country,” VP said.

Growing Rapidly

Chairman of Muhammadiyah Din Syamsuddin said that the 102^nd Muhammadiyah anniversary or 105^th anniversary according to Hijrah Year was coupled with 5^th World Peace Forum. “Many people attending this forum come from different background, such as religion leaders, intellectuals, academics, politicians, businessmen, peace activists, and media from various countries, since world peace forum becomes an event of exchanging experience,” he said.

For Muhammadiyah people, Din said, it was a gift from God that the organization which he led and established on 18^th November 1912 now a century-old. “Passing through long period of time, facing the ups and downs of civilization and challenges, Thank God Muhammadiyah can still exist,” Din said

Muhammadiyah grew rapidly and had 18 special branches positioned in 18 countries. “Great gratitude to God, Muhammadiyah is not only considered as education national movement but also healthy national movement with the 500 hospitals it owns,” Din said.

The theme of Muhammadiyah anniversary this time was Enlightenment towards Advanced Indonesia. “The theme will also become the theme of National Congress (Muktamar) of Muhammadiyah in Makassar in August 2015,” Din said.

Also attended the events among others were Minister of Religion Lukman Hakim Saefudin, Minister of Health Nila F Moeloek, and ambassadors of friendly countries. (SetwapresRI/ES)