The event began with the reading of prayers by six interfaith students. Each student represented Indonesia's six main religions — Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.
Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs, Saiful Rahmat Dasuki, who attended the prayer, said that all people share the responsibility of ensuring smooth elections.
"All parties should take part in making the (2024) general elections a success. This responsibility does not lie merely with the KPU (General Elections Commission,) Bawaslu (General Election Supervisory Agency), and voting organizing teams," he told the audience.
He highlighted the role of the youth, noting that the voters in this year's elections will be dominated by those belonging to the Gen Z and Millennial groups.
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Moreover, he added, Indonesia will soon welcome a demographic bonus, a period that is expected to help the country achieve the Golden Indonesia 2045 Vision.
Dasuki affirmed that Indonesia's future lies in the hands of its youngsters. With that in mind, he said, Indonesian youths must focus on nation-oriented politics instead of partisan politics.
"We hope that this forum will guide our youths in developing awareness of nation-oriented politics," he said.
Meanwhile, director general of Islamic community guidance at the ministry, Kamaruddin Amin, informed that the joint prayer drew participation from around three thousand students from religious schools across Indonesia.
He said that the event was not only meant to invite students to pray for peaceful elections, but also encourage them to take an active role in the upcoming elections by exercising their voting right on February 14, 2024, the Voting Day.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra Putra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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