Vice President Leads National Collective Prayer Session for Indonesia’s 79th Independence Day
Jakarta, The Gulf Observer: On Thursday evening, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin, accompanied by interfaith figures, presided over a significant collective prayer session during the National Collective Dhikr (Remembrance) and Prayer, marking the beginning of Indonesia’s Month of Independence. The event took place at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta and is a traditional ceremony held annually on August 1st in anticipation of the country’s Independence Day, which will be celebrated on August 17.
In his prayers, Vice President Amin sought divine blessings and protection for Indonesia, urging for progress, peace, justice, and virtue. He asked the Almighty to shield the nation from disasters, diseases, and other adversities. Addressing the gathering of approximately three thousand attendees, he stated, “O God, bless our country, Indonesia, with progress, peace, justice, and virtue. O God, protect us from disasters, plagues, diseases, discord, hardship, earthquakes, drought, and all other bad things.”
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also delivered a speech, expressing gratitude for Indonesia’s resilience amidst global uncertainties. He highlighted the nation’s continued growth despite various challenges and called upon all citizens to uphold unity and collaborate to overcome future obstacles. “I would like to invite all people here to pray together. Let us ask for God’s grace so He helps us in our journey to become an advanced nation,” President Jokowi remarked.
The National Collective Dhikr and Prayer featured a sermon by Anwar Iskandar, Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and was chaired by Muhyiddin Thohir, a manager of an Islamic boarding school in South Sulawesi. First Lady Iriana, Second Lady Wury, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, several other ministers, ulemas, interfaith figures, and representatives from religious organizations and schools were also present at this solemn and reflective national event.
