"We need to express our gratefulness to God for its gift which is independence ahead of the independence anniversary," he said in his speech at a prayer gathering held to meet the anniversary at Merdeka Palace.
He said indonesia has received gifts in the form of diversity of tribes, cultures, religions as well as natural resources.
In view of that he called on the people to continue to safeguard the country`s asset which is unity.
"This is what we have to be aware of that we have been given gifts by Allah in the form of diversities. It will become a force and potential if we unite because this is our biggest asset," he said.
The prayer gathering was held to meet the country`s independence anniversary that falls on August 17.
The event was attended by clerics including the chief of the Indonesia Ulemas Council (MUI), Ma`ruf Amin and community members.
People in the country are now preparing for legislative and presidential elections scheduled in April next year after many of them were involved in regional head elections recently.
Reported by Bayu Prasetyo
Edited by Yosep Haryadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Otniel Tamindael
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
