Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has hoped that Indonesian Muslims would never be pessimistic and feel hopeless while facing various challenges and obstacles.

"Through qasida music, optimism can grow and live in the heart of Muslims. Indeed, as Muslims, we must never be pessimistic, never feel hopeless," the President said in his remarks during the closing ceremony of the 2018 Qasida Vocalists Festival here on Thursday evening.

In a statement on Friday, Jokowi said science, technology and arts developed fast and well in the history of Islamic civilization and culture.

Qasida has survived until now and boosts the spirit of Muslims and reminds them about good morality, he said.

Reporting by Joko Susilo
Editing by Fardah Assegaf

Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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