Coordinating Minister for Food asks for prayers to ensure all government programmes run optimally

Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan has requested prayers and support from the public, especially from members of Jatma Aswaja, so that the government can improve a number of programmes that have not yet run optimally in order to benefit the community. “Please pray for us; those that have not yet succeeded we will improve, working hard so that these programmes truly become beneficial for the people,” said Zulkifli Hasan during a national salvation prayer, national remembrance, and haul for the founders of the Republic of Indonesia initiated by the Central Board of Jamiyah Ahlith Thariqah Al Mutabaroh Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (PB Jatma Aswaja) at Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Sunday. The minister, commonly called Zulhas, said the current administration has been running for nearly two years and in its implementation there are programmes that have succeeded and those that still require improvement. According to him, one of the government’s achievements is the success in attaining food self-sufficiency. This condition, Zulhas said, means the availability of several food commodities such as rice, fish, chicken, and eggs is in sufficient condition. However, Zulhas acknowledged that the prices of several food commodities are still experiencing increases. The government, he said, is currently conducting large-scale operations to push prices back down to affordable levels. “Indeed, prices are rising, we are now conducting massive operations so that prices can fall again,” he said. Zulhas asked the ulama, religious figures, and the community present at the national prayer and remembrance to pray for the government so that it can carry out various programmes well. “Please pray that the government can implement its programmes well for the good of us all,” he said. On the occasion, Zulhas also invited the public to maintain unity and togetherness amidst what he considers an uncertain global situation. Meanwhile, Secretary General of PB Jatma Aswaja Helmy Faishal Zaini said that the national remembrance and Haul for the founders of the Republic of Indonesia is not merely a religious ritual, but also a space to recall the spiritual and national responsibilities of every citizen. “Love for the homeland is not just something we utter, but must become part of our way of life. When we pray for the safety of the nation, we are actually reminding ourselves that Indonesia is a shared home that we must care for together,” said Helmy.