"The holy month of Ramadhan this year also falls in August which is a historical month for the country. In view of that it would be appropriate if we would also conduct reflection on our independence, our journey to independence," he said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked Muslims in the country to reflect on the country`s journey to independence during Ramadhan this year that falls in concurrence with the country`s 67th independence anniversary.

He made the call in his speech at a fast breaking gathering in the palace here on Tuesday with the leaders of state institutions, ambassadors, ministers and heads of state institutions, army and police commanders, president directors of state-owned companies and senior ministry officials.

"The holy month of Ramadhan this year also falls in August which is a historical month for the country. In view of that it would be appropriate if we would also conduct reflection on our independence, our journey to independence," he said.

He said by conducting reflection "we could see what has been achieved and what has not since the independence on August 17, 1945 to its 67th anniversary," he said.

He said at the age of 67 years old a country is still considered young compared with other countries that have been hundred years building their civilization and life including political and economic life and administration, justice and welfare system.

In view of that he called on all Muslims in the country to always be grateful for what has been achieved so far and unite and work hard to achieve what has not been achieved and to be patient when facing difficulties as Indonesia is currently still undergoing transformation and fundamental change.

The President said that after the economic crisis in 1998 Indonesia entered a new phase.

"We are basically undergoing not only reform but transformation. We still remember the years when we first embarked on reform with full spirit demanding quick, radical and large-scale changes," he said.

A large-scale transformation, he said, has the potential to be followed by sociological impacts such as instability, apprehension, conflicts and divisions.

"We also remember the difficult times then when disorderliness happened and our country was projected to break up like those in the Balkan. God is Great, and we are immediately aware that NKRI (the unitary state of Indonesia) may not break up. Reform is okey but must not change the fundamental consensus on Pancasila (state ideology), NKRI, the 1945 Constitution and the spirit of Unity in Diversity," he said.

President Yudhoyono said Indonesia had been helped by God and therefore was saved from breaking up and therefore "we must be grateful and thank God for it."

The event was also attended by First Lady Any Yudhoyono, Vice President Boediono and wives of the cabinet ministers.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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