President Jokowi Calls The Sufi Congress To Increase World Trust In Indonesia

President Joko Widodo together with Habib Muhammad Lutfhi bin Ali Yahya and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto at the International Sufi Congress in Pekalongan, Central Java, Tuesday (29/8/2023). (ANTARA/Kutnadi)

PEKALONGAN - President Joko Widodo said the International Sufi Congress further increased world confidence in Indonesia as a nation that can maintain tolerance and diversity.

"As a country with a pluralistic population, it is the spirit of the Indonesian nation. With 270 million diverse people, both ethnic and diverse religions, thank God it is strong to unite and maintain our political stability. All of this is thanks to the moderate actors of the Indonesian nation who maintain tolerance and unity," said Jokowi when opening the International Sufi Congress in Pekalongan City, Central Java, reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, August 29.

In addition, Jokowi said that the congress had an important meaning to prove that Islam in Indonesia is no longer on the outskirts, but has a very strategic role and contributes to building a peaceful and harmonious world civilization.

"I am sure that the noble values, mutual respect, kindness, manners, friendlyness, and wisdom of other nations will fully color this noble practice. Let's take care of harmony, tolerance, reject hate speech, reject hoaxes, continue to remember and pray for the safety of the Indonesian nation and state," said Jokowi.

The President also expressed his gratitude to the ulama and religious leaders who continue to guide and pray for Indonesia's safety, welfare and progress.

"Thank you also (ulama and religious leaders) for teaching harmony, peace, harmony, and tolerance in the midst of diversity and unity amidst the differences we have," he explained.

Jokowi reminded that there are diversity that must be maintained in harmony with tolerance. Moderate attitudes that interact with each other, according to Jokowi, will realize unity and integrity amidst diversity.

Although there are still several cases of intolerance, which must be a common concern, Jokowi appealed to all parties to increase tolerance in Indonesia.

"I believe that amalantawuh has an important role that always comes with universal humanism values. With the principles of Islamwasatiyah, moderate Islam, which will further strengthen the tolerance of unity and integrity," said Jokowi.

The President hopes that the International Sufi Congress can be an inspiration and role model for the Islamic world, demand Muslims in improvement and kindness, and provide solutions in the midst of the humanitarian crisis that is sweeping the world.