JAKARTA - Today's memory, seven years ago, March 8, 2019, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) denied that he would ban the azan when he was re-elected as the leader of Indonesia in the 2019 presidential election. He emphasized that people who spread the issue were of illogical thinking.
Previously, Jokowi surprisingly chose the Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Maruf Amin, as his running mate. The narrative broke the impression that Jokowi was not close to Muslims. Miraculously, the issue of Jokowi-Mar'uf not caring about the interests of Muslims has spread widely.
It is easy to predict which political figures will run as presidential candidates in the 2019 presidential election. The competition to become Indonesia's leader only presents two big names: Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto. The competition is getting hotter because the two have fought in the 2014 presidential election.
Jokowi won and Prabowo had to admit his defeat. However, the 2019 presidential election was different. Both of them were considered more ready to fight each other. This condition makes the cawapres election not just any.
They need a figure who can raise the prestige to be chosen by all Indonesian people. Jokowi then surprisingly chose the Chairman of the MUI, Maruf Amin. Prabowo himself chose Sandiaga Uno as his running mate.
The election of Maruf Amin is considered by many people to remove the impression that Jokowi is not close to Muslims. Jokowi also proved that his tomb is not much different from Prabowo who is supported by many famous ulama.
Maruf also prayed for him. He tried to reveal the important reason why Jokowi chose him. He emphasized that Jokowi chose because of his status as a cleric. Maruf also considered Jokowi had a mission to glorify the cleric.
Jokowi will realize this step by making ulama as Vice President of Indonesia. Maruf also hopes that Jokowi's good intentions can make them win in the 2019 presidential election.
"This shows that Mr. Jokowi is very close and cares about ulama, with Muslims. So, ulama are not just supporting, but God willing, if elected they will continue to accompany."
"Mr. Jokowi has built infrastructure, not only in Java but throughout Indonesia. If in the first period Mr. Jokowi is like planting the foundation posts, then in the second period he will build more optimally. Therefore, support Mr. Jokowi for two periods," said Maruf as quoted by the ANTARA website, January 21, 2019.
Jokowi's contribution to choosing a cleric as a vice president was praised by many parties. However, this does not mean that Jokowi's issue does not prioritize stopping Muslims. The most shocking issue is that Jokowi will ban the azan from being heard in Indonesia if he wins the 2019 Presidential Election.
Initially, Jokowi's camp did not take the issue seriously. Later, the issue flowed wildly because there was no response. Finally, Maruf was the first to deny the issue that was circulating. He revealed that when Jokowi won the azan was banned, it was a hoax that was irresponsible.
Jokowi himself then spoke up on March 8, 2019. He emphasized the issue that spread was illogical. Jokowi considers Indonesia to be the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. He considers it natural for the azan to be heard everywhere. No one dared to forbid it.
"He said that later the government would not allow the azan. When? There is no such thing. Try asking me who dares to prohibit azan, is there? Our country is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world, but the azan is prohibited, logically it does not make sense," said Jokowi as quoted by lamankompas.com, March 8, 2019.
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