JAKARTA || INDONESIA, WartaONE.co.id - Minister of National Development Planning, Suharso Monoarfa, attended the National Prayer for 76th Year of Indonesia's Independence, which held virtually, Sunday (1/08/2021).
Present at the event were President Joko Widodo, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, a number of ministers, regional heads, and interfaith leaders.
In his speech, President Joko Widodo said believed that the spirit of togetherness and gotong royong inherited by the founding fathers of the nation will always be embedded in our souls like a burning fire, especially when the nation and state face trials and challenges.
"Currently, our country is facing a very difficult test, namely the Covid-19 pandemic," said the President.
President Joko Widodo invites all elements of the nation to join hands to close ranks shoulder to shoulder to make physical and spiritual efforts together to face the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As a nation that believes in the one and only God, prayer is a weapon for the believers to strengthen and heal as an all-powerful force to generate hope and optimism," the President said.
"Tonight, interfaith leaders gather in togetherness, together in dhikr chant a prayer of gratitude to Allah SWT for the gift of independence for the Indonesian people as well as ask for the help of God who is most merciful and merciful so that our nation and country will soon be free from the pandemic, and ask Him for us to all of them get a bright light to continue the journey towards advanced Indonesia," the President continued.
President is also grateful for the efforts, assistance and support of scholars, religious leaders, missionaries who always invite the ummah to comply with health protocols, assist in accelerating vaccinations as well as guiding and assisting the ummah in difficult situations.
On the same occasion, Minister of Religion also emphasized the importance of dhikr and prayer in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Facing a pandemic that has not yet ended, it is necessary for each of us to bow our heads and praise the majesty of God. Increase the strength of faith and fortitude," said Minister Yaqut.
Minister Yaqut also invited the government and the community to unite in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
"All levels of government leadership of Ministries/Institutions, ASN, TNI, Polri, ulama, religious leaders and community leaders are expected to play an active role in disseminating health protocols and setting real examples in the community," he said.
Public Communications Team
Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas
(Red)
