"Pak (Mr) Jokowi as the second President of Indonesia who has visited the Niujie Mosque after Gus Dur," said Rahardjo after accompanying President Jokowi to visit Niujie Mosque on Sunday.
He mentioned that in 2000, the late Abdurrahman Wahid visited Beijings largest and oldest mosque on the sidelines of his state visit as president to China.
The ambassador said Jokowis visit to the Niujie Mosque was conducted on the sidelines of attending the International Silk Road Belt Summit and Road Belt Cooperation Forum. It was not only to strengthen the relationship between Indonesia and China in the economic sector, but also between the two countries Muslims.
"Indonesia as the worlds tolerant, friendly, and moderate Muslim-majority country can inspire Muslims in China whose number reaches approximately 25 million to help explain that Islam blessing for the entire world," Rahardjo said.
In the meantime, following a closed-door meeting, Jokowi said he was surprised after being informed that the number of Muslims in China reached 25 millions while the number of mosques in Beijing is 70 and across China 23,000.
"Frankly speaking I just learned it and was very surprised because this is not a small number," he said.
President Jokowi explained that Islamic cultural relations between Indonesia and China have developed since the 15th century.
"In the century Chinese Muslims came to Indonesia to trade and they arrived in Java, such as Lasem, and other places in Indonesia such as Palembang," he said after being briefed by Yang Faming and imam of Niujie Mosque Ali Yang Gunjun.
On the occasion President Jokowi took an opportunity to convey his regards to all Muslims in China.
"Just now through Imam and the chairman I extend my regards to all Muslims in China," he said.
Jokowi and entourage arrived at Niujie Mosques at around 11am and prayed there before listening to the explanation of Ali Yang Gunjin about the history of the mosque.
To Imam Ali he later handed over an Arabic calligraphic work and Mushaf Alquran from Indonesia, a black cap and a sarong as souvenirs.
In return Imam Ali gave a Arabic calligraphic work complete with Its Mandarin translation and a book on Islam journey in China.
President Jokowi also took an opportunity to pay respects at the tombs of the founder of the mosque, Syekh Ali Imaddudin and the mosques imam Syekh Ahmad Alburthoni.
During the visit to the mosque President Jokowi was accompanied by foreign minister Retno Marsudi, transportation minister Budi Sumadi, state secretary Pratikno and Indonesian ambassador Soegeng Rahardjo.
He also greeted a number of Indonesians who are working or studying in China present on the occasion.
The visit was made on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum and Silk Road summit.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
