We should serve as a model nation that maintains order and lives in peace amid diversity."Makassar (ANTARA News) - Muhammadiyah, the second-largest community-based Muslim organization in Indonesia that helps to empower the people, is a strategic partner for the government, stated Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin.
"The government considers Muhammadiyah as an organization that is very strategic, and the organization always provides constructive inputs," Saifuddin remarked here on Monday.
According to the minister, Muhammadiyah has the largest assets and businesses in Indonesia. The organization has hospitals and schools across various regions in Indonesia.
Saifuddin urged the people to learn from the good example set by Muhammadiyah in education, business, and social sectors. The Muslim organization has demonstrated immense passion to empower people based on its predecessors.
Saifuddin stated that Muhammadiyah has been able to apply the amar maruf nahi mungkar, which means "spread the righteousness and prevent injustice according to Islam," in the society.
"The government requires religious organizations such as Muhammadiyah," he affirmed.
The minister also lauded the implementation of the 47th Muhammadiyah Congress at Karebosi Stadium in Makassar, South Sulawesi.
"The congress can run properly and solemnly by upholding the values of deliberation. We can learn a lot from the congress," he remarked.
Earlier, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo had urged Muhammadiyah, one of the largest Islamic organizations in the country, to continue adopting a progressive outlook to support the nations development.
President Jokowi made the statement during the opening ceremony of the 47th Muhammadiyah Congress at Karebosi Stadium in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday. He said that the organization had proved to be progressive in its efforts to support the fields of health, education, and social affairs in Indonesia.
"How many babies were born in the Aisyiah Mother and Child Hospital? And how many of our students are educated in its schools? This proves that Muhammadiyah is a large organization that works for the welfare of the people," he stated.
Aisyiah is the womens wing of Muhammadiyah.
Furthermore, Jokowi emphasized that the group should continue its initiatives and, in cooperation with the government and other civil societies, should work towards development.
In addition, the head of state shed light on Muhammadiyahs role in promoting national unity, brotherhood, and tolerance.
"We should serve as a model nation that maintains order and lives in peace amid diversity," he remarked.
Moreover, Muhammadiyah has always been known as an organization that promotes moderate Islam and the concept of unity in diversity.
In his remarks, Jokowi reiterated his commitment to fighting for Palestinian independence and world peace.
"As a state with the largest Muslim population in the world, we must bravely voice our support for Palestinian independence," he emphasized.
(Uu.A063/INE/KR-BSR/H-YH)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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