Eid al-Fitr: MPR and Religious Affairs Minister Leaders Call for Unity and Urge Gratitude
Several state officials delivered Eid al-Fitr messages following the Eid prayers for 1447 Hijriah at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Saturday (21/3). They emphasised the importance of maintaining unity, solidarity, and a sense of gratitude amid global dynamics.
MPR RI Deputy Speaker Ahmad Muzani began with Eid al-Fitr greetings to all Indonesian people. “On behalf of the leadership of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia, I, Ahmad Muzani, extend Eid al-Fitr 1437 Hijriah greetings. Minal aidin wal faizin, please forgive me physically and spiritually,” he said.
He hoped that the momentum of Eid al-Fitr would further strengthen brotherhood and national harmony. “The brotherhood, unity, and harmony that have been well-established so far are hoped to become even stronger, more solid, and more peaceful,” he stated.
Muzani also urged the public to continue maintaining social concern and praying that the Indonesian nation be kept away from various disasters. “Do your best for our brothers and sisters so that we become useful people for our shared life,” he said.
Highlighting Solidarity from the President to Aceh
Muzani, along with DPD RI Chairman Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, also highlighted the President’s visit where he performed Eid prayers in Aceh. Muzani described the President’s presence in Aceh as a form of solidarity with the communities affected by disasters. “Today, the President performed Eid prayers in Aceh. That is a form of solidarity shown to our brothers and sisters in Sumatra who were hit by calamity in November,” he said.
In agreement, Sultan Bachtiar assessed that the step reflects leadership that is directly present among the people. “The President, as the head of state, is present, feels it, and prays at the location together with the community; that is something very good and important,” he stated.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining unity amid turbulent global conditions. “What our nation needs most is unity and oneness, harmony, and continuously maintaining relationships,” said Sultan.
In that context, Sultan also responded to issues regarding ministry and agency budgets. He assessed that the government has clear calculations and policy bases. “From our side, surely the President or the executive already has the calculations. Everything has regulations, there are laws,” he said.
He added that as long as the policies taken by the government aim for the interests of the state and the people, the public should provide support.
Minister of Religious Affairs Urges Public to Be Grateful
Meanwhile, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar urged the public to be grateful for Indonesia’s relatively stable condition compared to several other countries. “We need to be grateful because Indonesia is not like what is happening in other countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines, even Thailand,” he said.
He also highlighted the implementation of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr at Istiqlal Mosque, which ran smoothly despite being attended by hundreds of thousands of worshippers. According to him, the number of worshippers present could reach more than 500,000 people, with tight security systems ensuring the worship proceeded safely. “Zero accidents, no accidents, no theft, no pickpocketing,” said Nasaruddin.
In addition, he mentioned that the management of Istiqlal Mosque has received international recognition for being clean, effective, and efficient.