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Joining Friday mass prayer Jokowi's own idea: Minister
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (fourth right) and Vice President Jusuf Kalla (second left), Coordinating Politics, Law, and Security Minister Wiranto (third right) and Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (left) walk to join the mass prayer on Dec. 2 during the third "Defending Islam" rally. Islam Defenders Front (FPI) founder Rizieq Shihab delivered the sermon during the prayer. (Antara/M Agung Rajasa)
P
resident Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's decision to join the Friday mass prayer at the National Monument and to address the anti-blasphemy rally was his own idea, a minister said Friday.
Jokowi's decision was made only minutes before the prayer time as he believed his presence "was needed to directly address appreciation to the congregations and the [rally] participants for their sincere prayers for a peaceful nation," said Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin.
"It was the President himself who made the decision after he, I’m sure, heard much input from various figures," Lukman added on Friday at the State Palace.
After performing the Friday prayer, Jokowi immediately made a speech expressing his appreciation for the peaceful protest against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.
“Thank you for the mass prayer for the nation’s safety. Thank you for coming and keeping order. I really appreciate this,” said the President when he was on the podium.
The crowd cheered and chanted “Takbir!” to Jokowi and Jokowi replied, “Takbir! Takbir!” Takbir is an Arabic word to call for others to recite “Allahu akbar” or God is Great. Jokowi also said "Allahu akbar" several times.
Jokowi said the people should take care of themselves and keep things orderly during their return home while thanking people who came all the way from outside Jakarta.
Earlier, Jokowi and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, along with the National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian, prayed with Islam Defenders Front (FPI) founder Rizieq Shihab at the National Monument. Rizieq delivered the sermon while Jokowi and Kalla sat in the congregation.
However, as the President wrapped up his short speech, the crowds started to yell "Arrest Ahok immediately!" (evi)
