President scheduled to open Muhammadiyah congress

MAKASSAR. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is scheduled to open the 47th Muhammadiyah national congress (muktamar), which will take place at Karebosi Square in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday.

Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin said that he had confirmed the presence of President Jokowi to State Secretary Minister Pratikno and Presidential Office chief Luhut Panjaitan.

“Alhamdulillah [thanks God], Bapak President Jokowi and First Lady, Ibu Iriana, will be present at the opening of the congress. I have confirmed their presence to the state secretary minister and the presidential office chief,” said Din as quoted by Antara on Sunday. He spoke after the closing of a Tanwir meeting, or a forum held prior to the congress, at the campus of the University of Muhammadiyah in Makassar.

Din said that on Monday, President Jokowi would also open a national congress to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Aisiyah, the female wing of Muhammadiyah, the second largest Islamic organization in Indonesia. The Aisiyah congress would also be held at the same location, in Makassar.

Din said a presidential palace staffer had asked him what suit President Jokowi should wear during the Muhammadiyah congress opening ceremony.

“Initially, I said it would be good if President Jokowi wore a traditional costume during the ceremony. However, the congress organizing committee decided that the President should wear a coat and a peci [rimless cap],” he said.

The Muhammadiyah chairman also said that all participants must ensure that the congress would run smoothly.

“Currently, international communities are paying close attention to the two major national congresses being held by the two largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia, namely Nahdlatul Ulama [NU] and Muhammadiyah. Therefore, we must be able to maintain a good and wholesome condition,” said Din.

He said that any disruption would taint not only Muhammadiyah as a major Islamic organization but also Islamic religious proselytizing activities in the country

The 47th Muhammadiyah national congress and the Aisiyah congress are set to run in Makassar from August 3-7. (ebf)

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