This Is President Jokowi's Message: During Eid In The Midst Of The COVID-19 Pandemic And Emergency PPKM

JAKARTA - President Jokowi conveyed a message in the momentum of this year's Eid al-Adha celebration which is still being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and also Emergency PPKM. According to the President, Eid is a momentum to strengthen solidarity and rise together to face the pandemic. The value of sacrifice and humanity contained in sacrificial worship should be a guide for the nation and state.

This was conveyed by the President at the Takbir Akbar for Eid al-Adha 1442 H which was held via video conference from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java on Monday, July 19, 2021.

“This is a momentum to strengthen solidarity in the spirit of brotherhood. Ukhuwah Islamiah, ukhuwah wathaniah, and ukhuwah insaniah who will be able to multiply our energy to gather strength are optimistic to rise together", said the President as quoted from the official website of the President of the Republic of Indonesia.

This year's Eid is commemorated simply by adhering to health protocols. However, the President believes that this simple Eid will not reduce the solemnity of expressing gratitude to Allah SWT.

President Jokowi added that there are many examples from Prophet Ibrahim that can be learned from, such as exemplary in making sacrifices and reminding the importance of faith, piety, and sincerity. "In the midst of the current pandemic, we need to be willing to sacrifice even more. Sacrificing personal interests and putting the interests of the community and others first", he said.

In addition, the President asked the public to optimize their efforts, both outwardly and inwardly, to face the current pandemic by praying and praying together from their homes.

"We optimize the outward endeavor as well as the inner endeavor. We strive together with discipline to comply with health protocols, wear masks, wash hands, maintain distance, isolate ourselves for those with symptoms, and provide assistance to others", added the President.

The Head of State invited the public to pray together for help, healing for the sick, and strength for humanitarian fighters. The President also hopes that all Indonesian people will always be given patience and strength in facing all trials and tribulations.

"May Allah SWT blesses and facilitates all our efforts and steps until we achieve victory against this COVID-19 pandemic," said the Head of State.

To note, the virtual Takbir took the theme "Together Solidarity for a Healthy Indonesia". In the event, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin was present to give a Tausiah. Meanwhile, the grand Takbir was led by Prof. Said Agil Husin Al Munawar and the reading of the prayer was led by Professor of the State Islamic University of Sunan Gunung Djati, Prof. Dadang Kahmad.

In his speech, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin also invited the public to be patient in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. According to him, patience is beautiful, but that doesn't mean being silent and being passive.

"Patience in the real sense is that we also have to fight. We must not remain silent, especially if we sacrifice ourselves to become victims of COVID-19. Therefore, protecting oneself from the transmission of COVID-19 is an obligation because it is one of the goals of sharia", said Ma'ruf Amin.

In addition to President Jokowi and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, the event was also attended virtually by ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet, institutional leaders, TNI/Polri, governors, religious leaders, and other elements of society. The atmosphere of the COVID-19 pandemic and also the Emergency Restrictions on Community Activities (PPKM) did not hinder the celebration of Eid al-Adha.