After observing Ramadan, let us work shoulder to shoulder to build our country to make it even better in future."
Padang (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has expressed hope that the people of Indonesia will work together to build the nation after observing the 2016 Ramadan fasting month.

"After observing Ramadan, let us work shoulder to shoulder to build our country to make it even better in future," President Jokowi remarked after attending the Eid prayer service at the West Sumatra Grand Mosque in Padang on Wednesday morning.

The head of state also conveyed Eid al-Fitr greetings and apologized to all Indonesians.

Jokowi said that Eid is an important occasion to hold cordial gatherings with family members, relatives, friends, neighbors, and the people of Indonesia.

The president and First Lady Iriana arrived in Padang on Monday on a working visit that included celebrating Eid with the local community of the city of Padang.

President Jokowi affirmed that his visit to West Sumatra this time was to uphold his promise of being with the people of the city for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations this year.

"Last year, the governor invited me to celebrate Eid in Padang. Since I had given him my word, I am here to keep that promise," the president stated after attending the evening Ramadhan prayer at the Nurul Iman Mosque on Monday.

President Jokowi expressed gratitude that an agreement had been reached to declare Eid on Wednesday, July 6.

The decision was approved by both Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama, the countrys two major Islamic organizations.

"Thank God. We always expected it. We started on the same day, and so, we will also celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the same day," he said.

After performing the Eid prayers, the president and his entourage will leave Padang for Solo and Yogyakarta for a working visit as well as for holding a cordial gathering with the community of Central Java.
(Uu.O001/INE/KR-BSR)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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