Jokowi calls on Muhammadiyah youth to preserve Indonesian unity

President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has called on youths of Muhammadiyah Islamic organization to participate in the efforts to preserve national unity and cohesiveness.

"Ansor (the youth wing of Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic organization) and Kokam (Muhammadiyah youth readiness command) must develop themselves, increase their capacity and competitiveness to enter employment world and businesses, as well as their creativity and innovation to help people," he stated at an Indonesian Islamic Youth roll call and patriotism camping in Prambanan here on Saturday.

The event was also attended by First Lady Iriana, Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Wiranto, Minister of Fisheries of Maritime Affairs Susi Pudjiastuti, Youth and Sports Minister Imam Nachrowi, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Commander of the Defense Forces (TNI) Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, and a number of other officials.

"The government will always support the good initiatives taken to make Indonesia a great country," the president added.

He explained that he had deliberately come to Prambanan with only one agenda, which was to lead the Muslim Youth patriotism roll call.

He remarked that patriotism is the foundation of the country`s progress. The youth attending the roll call demonstrated their patriotism by raising their voice in unison.

He noted that Islamic youth are fighters who must build Islam that brings blessings for all.

"You are all heirs of the patriotism of clerics who have developed Islam in the archipelago, advanced Islam, and strengthened Islam in Indonesia. We must remember that our country is one with the world`s biggest Muslim population, which has so far been referred to as a role model in view of our unity," he remarked.

He pointed out that Indonesia has shown an example of tolerant behavior, solidarity, and inspiration for other Muslim countries in the world.

On the occasion, Jokowi also took an opportunity to call on Muslim youths not to be involved in efforts to divide the nation through social media.

"Again, do not insult or curse each other, slander, or produce hate speech. We are all brothers of the same country and nation. We must remember that," he revealed

Source: ANTARA