"You may have different political preferences. This is a political choice, but, please do not make slanderous statements and insult one another," he stated while addressing the santri attending the peak of the 2018 National Santri Day commemoration at Bandung`s Gasibu field on Sunday evening.
The spread of hoax and slander has more frequently occurred ahead of the regional and presidential elections. Hence, the head of state has urged the santri and other community members to preserve the unity in diversity.
Preserving the unity in diversity was not only relevant to the theme of this event, "With Santri, Making Indonesia be A Peaceful Country," but the diversity also reflects the gift from the Almighty God to Indonesia.
"Hence, caring for our common house, called the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), by preserving the national unity and brotherhood as well as living in peaceful co-existence are the biggest assets of this nation," President Jokowi remarked.
He was quoted by Presidential Secretariat`s Deputy Head of Protocol, Press and Media Bey Machmudin as urging the santri to become pious Muslim nationalists as had always been exemplified by kyai, or Islamic teachers, and ulema, or clerics.
"History has recorded the major roles of ulema, kyai, and santri in the struggle for the country`s independence and its maintenance; in preserving the state ideology of Pancasila; and in maintaining the NKRI," President Jokowi stated.
History is also testament to the fact that they played a significant role in guiding the nation to the path of good deeds, truth, and progress, he remarked.
On the occasion, winners of the "Santri Millennial Competition" received awards from Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin.
Reporting by Hanni Sofia
Editing by Rahmad Nasution, Fardah Assegaf
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
