HNW: Community Organisations Have an Important Role in Maintaining Harmony

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, Hidayat Nur Wahid or HNW, has emphasised the importance of the role of community organisations (ormas) in maintaining harmony in Jakarta. “With the diversity of hundreds of ormas, if they focus on specific issues, their role will be significant in making Jakarta better,” said HNW in his statement in Jakarta on Tuesday. This was conveyed by HNW after receiving a visit from the Inter-Community Organisations Forum (FLO), led by General Chairman Juaini Yusuf, at his office in Nusantara III Building, Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta. He hopes that Jakarta, and Indonesia in general, will remain in a safe and harmonious condition, even as global conflicts occur, such as in the Middle East region. According to him, global conflicts like wars involving Israel, America, and Iran, which can destroy harmony between nations and countries, should serve as an important lesson for the Indonesian nation, especially in Jakarta, so that Indonesia continues to strengthen unity domestically. HNW revealed that he had once conveyed an idea in a Commission VIII DPR RI meeting that the Hajj pilgrimage, which involves the global community and will take place soon, can be utilised by Indonesia as an instrument of diplomacy to stop wars and encourage world peace. “Indonesia, in accordance with the constitutional mandate, should use this Hajj as diplomacy to bring peace and stop wars. Convey to the warring parties to stop the war, respect the human rights of the global community to practise their religion, with Muslims performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca,” he said. He explained that the Hajj pilgrimage involves Muslim worshippers from various countries, including those currently in conflict. Therefore, that moment is considered strategic to implement the constitution in bringing peace and encouraging the cessation of conflicts. “If they stop the war for the sake of Hajj, and thereby feel blessed peace, hopefully after that there will be no more war,” said HNW. HNW added that efforts to maintain global peace align with national interests, including creating conducive conditions for the people of Jakarta and Indonesia at large. He assessed that Jakarta has a character as a city that has long lived in diversity. This is reflected in the existence of various regional-based communities that are recognised and even become identity names such as Kampung Ambon, Kampung Jawa, Kampung Makassar, to Kampung Bali. According to him, this diversity must continue to be maintained by all parties, including the ormas in Jakarta, as a social force. “Our nature as Jakarta residents is indeed tolerant and harmonious. With the spirit of Eid al-Fitr, we want to restore Jakarta’s nature, namely the spirit of togetherness,” he said. Therefore, he appreciates the role of community organisations (ormas) that can become an important container in strengthening brotherhood and unity amid diversity. HNW emphasised that the diversity of ormas, whether based on religion, culture, profession, or youth, is a great potential for building collaboration for the interests of the people of Jakarta and Indonesia. He explained that the activity aims to strengthen solidarity among ormas while building synergy with the government. “We hope that Mr Kiai (HNW) can be present as the Advisory Board to encourage ormas friends who are now starting to be harmonious,” he said. FLO, he continued, currently encompasses many organisations from various backgrounds. The organising committee for that halal bihalal event will also involve representatives from various ormas, with a target participation of around 300 attendees. In response to that, HNW appreciated the invitation. He also encouraged the Inter-Community Organisations Forum not to only focus on ceremonial activities but also to be able to provide real contributions in solving community problems. He assessed that ormas need to map various real problems in Jakarta, such as drug issues, brawls, gambling, online loans, terrorism, radicalism, brawls, and other ethical and social crimes. “The problems in Jakarta need to be mapped as to what is most dominant, so that each ormas can provide effective and measurable contributions,” he said. HNW also emphasised the importance of utilising national and religious big days, such as Eid al-Fitr, Kartini Day, National Education Day, National Awakening Day, Kartini Day, National Sports Day, National Defence Day, etc., as means to strengthen solidarity among ormas towards solidarity among citizens. He hopes that the synergy between ormas and the government can continue to be enhanced so that Jakarta not only becomes a safe and orderly city but also a model of harmony, progress, and mutual cooperation for other regions in Indonesia.