Jokowi and Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar Discuss Indonesia-Egypt Relations and Gaza Conflict
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and the Grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Ahmad Muhammad Ahmed al-Tayeb, held a meeting at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday to discuss Indonesia-Egypt relations and the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Following the bilateral meeting, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi briefed reporters, stating, “The main objective of the visit by the grand sheikh is to continue promoting moderate Islam and interfaith dialogue.”
Minister Marsudi highlighted President Jokowi’s remarks on the longstanding popularity of Egypt as a study destination for Indonesian academicians, with 95 percent of Indonesians residing in Egypt being students. She quoted the grand sheikh, who noted that he had not heard of any problems involving the over 13,000 Indonesian students in Egypt, indicating that he views them as individuals of good character.
During the meeting, President Jokowi expressed his support for establishing a development center for the existing Al-Azhar branch in Indonesia.
On the topic of the conflict in Gaza, Minister Marsudi noted that both President Jokowi and Grand Sheikh al-Tayeb agreed on the necessity for the international community to push for a lasting ceasefire and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid to those in need. “The grand sheikh seconded Mr. President’s view on the need to immediately put an end to the war and achieve peace,” she stated.
Grand Sheikh al-Tayeb emphasized the importance of unity among all countries, especially Muslim states, in echoing messages of peace for Palestine. “Mr. President said he is confident that the grand sheikh’s push for peace would mean a lot to the nation of Palestine,” Marsudi added.
President Jokowi also underscored the importance of intensifying interfaith dialogues to promote tolerance and peace, aiming to prevent the spread of extremist beliefs and Islamophobia. He stressed that tolerance is integral to Indonesia’s highly pluralistic society and briefed the grand sheikh on Indonesia’s state ideology, Pancasila (Five Principles), and the state motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
