President Prabowo Meets Islamic Organizations to Address National Stability

Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: President Prabowo Subianto invited representatives of 16 Islamic mass organizations to his private residence in Hambalang, Bogor District, West Java, on Saturday, to discuss national challenges and explore ways to maintain peace and social stability.

The meeting was disclosed by Nasrullah Larada, Chairman of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Islamic Students Family (PII), through an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday evening. As of the release of this report, the Presidential Palace, including Presidential Spokesperson Prasetyo Hadi, has not issued a response regarding the gathering.

Among the organizations present were Muhammadiyah, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Indonesian Da’wah Council (DDII), al-Irsyad, Persatuan Islam, and the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI). Muhammadiyah was represented by Secretary General Prof. Abdul Mu’ti, who also serves as Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, while NU was represented by Secretary General Saifullah Yusuf, currently Minister of Social Affairs.

Nasrullah described the meeting with President Prabowo as a constructive initiative that should be supported by all segments of society to help ensure a conducive national climate.

“This meeting is a very positive and timely signal for our nation. At a time when tensions are rising, communication and dialogue among elements of the nation must be strengthened. PII believes that dialogue is the best way to resolve national problems, not through anarchism or vandalism, which only harm us all and undermine the values of justice we uphold,” he stated.

During the discussion, President Prabowo called on Islamic organizations to work hand in hand with the government to safeguard stability, an appeal welcomed by PII. Nasrullah emphasized that he had instructed activists, alumni, and the younger generation within the PII network, as well as the wider community, to remain calm and avoid being provoked by incitement that could divide the nation.

The call for unity comes amid escalating tensions in several cities, including Jakarta, Bandung, Makassar, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, where clashes between protesters and security forces have occurred. Demonstrations, initially sparked by opposition to housing allowances for members of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), intensified after a police armored vehicle fatally struck Affan Kurniawan, a 21-year-old online motorcycle taxi driver. The incident fueled widespread anger and extended protests from Thursday through Saturday afternoon.

Expressing condolences over Kurniawan’s death, Nasrullah urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a professional and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure accountability. “We urge law enforcement to work professionally and transparently in fully investigating this incident so that justice is truly upheld and no party feels sacrificed,” he said.

In addition to engaging with Islamic organizations, President Prabowo also convened a limited meeting with several cabinet ministers, Armed Forces Commander Gen. Agus Subiyanto, and National Police Chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo at his Hambalang residence.