Central Java Holds Sholawat Gathering to Pray for Disaster Victims from NTT to Kalimantan
Thousands of residents filled the grounds of the Central Java Governor’s Office for the Jateng Bersholawat event on Sunday evening (23/8). The activity served as the culmination of the 81st anniversary of Central Java Province as well as the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday 1448 H.
Beyond being a moment of commemoration, Jateng Bersholawat also became a platform for solidarity to pray for disaster victims in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Kalimantan, and various regions across Indonesia.
Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi invited the public to pray for the victims so that they may be given strength and recover swiftly from the impact of the disasters. “May our brothers and sisters be strengthened and recover quickly from the disasters, and may Central Java be spared from calamity,” said Luthfi.
He also called on the entire community to build Central Java together. According to him, development cannot be carried out individually, but requires the collective effort of all elements of society.
Luthfi acknowledged that much work remains to be completed during the approximately 1.6 years he has led Central Java alongside Deputy Governor Taj Yasin Maimoen. The two, he continued, also bear the responsibility of continuing the work of the previous 15 governors.
For this reason, Luthfi opened the widest possible space for the public to provide suggestions and criticism. Such input, he said, would serve as a spur to deliver better development for Central Java.
Preacher Wijayanto appreciated the Central Java Provincial Government for choosing sholawat recitation as part of the province’s anniversary commemoration. “The overarching theme is also extraordinary, gumregut nyawiji, meaning from Central Java we unite to build Indonesia and a civilised Central Java,” he said.
Meanwhile, Habib Ali Zainal Abidin Assegaf said that the communal sholawat was a moment to emulate the character of the Prophet Muhammad, who taught unity and care for others. “By reciting sholawat, we pray for Central Java, may its people live in harmony, peace, safety, and prosperity. May what has not yet been achieved under the leadership of Mr Luthfi and Gus Yasin be made easy and smooth. We also pray for our brothers and sisters in NTT and all regions of Indonesia,” he said.