At an event to open a forum of the leaders of Muslim Community Organizations at the State Palace here on Tuesday, Jokowi called on the Muslim scholars to help maintain the NKRI as a strong nation.
The head of state explained that during his meetings with the leaders of other countries, especially of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Indonesias interfaith harmony and good relations between the Muslim scholars and the state leaders were greatly appreciated.
The forum was attended by the Muslim scholars from Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulama Council (MUI).
Also present were PBNU Chairman Said Agil Siradj, Muhammadiyah Chairman Haidar Nashir, MUI Chairman Maruf Amin, and Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin.
Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Political, Law and Security Affairs Wiranto, and Minister/State Secretary Pratikno.
The head of state invited the Muslim scholars to the State Palace for a friendly gathering, ahead of a planned major rally by a number of Muslim organizations next Friday to protest against Jakarta Governor Tjahaja Basuki Purnamas blasphemous statement concerning the Holy Quran.
Earlier on Monday, Jokowi ordered security forces to stay alert and work professionally to anticipate the protest rally to be staged on Friday, November 4, 2016.
After attending the commemoration of World Saving Day 2016, at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Monday, Jokowi said that demonstrations are democratic rights of citizens, but they do not have the right to impose their will or create damages.
Jokowi said the government would guarantee the right to free speech, but it would also give priority to public order and security.
"I have ordered the security forces to stay alert and perform their duties in a professional manner to overcome any anarchy perpetrated by any one," the president remarked.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
