TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan unequivocally praised the peaceful manner in which this year's 212 reunion rally ran, thereby mirroring Indonesia's unity in diversity.
Addressing the annual event at the area of National Monument (Monas) Square in Central Jakarta on Monday morning, the Jakarta governor pointed out that those thronging the venue hailed from different parts of the archipelago.
In his speech at the event, Baswedan, dressed in his daily uniform as Jakarta governor, drew attention to the significance of ensuring justice for all to preserve genuine unity in diversity of the nation.
Anies Baswedan joined respected figures on the stage of this 212 reunion rally at the invitation of the organizing committee.
Attendees at the event also held to commemorate Maulid Nabi Muhammad, or the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, comprised the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) Chairman, KH Ahmad Sobri Lubis, and Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) Party's elite, Fadli Zon.
FPI leader Habib Rizieq Shihab was offered the opportunity to deliver his recorded speech from the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in which he apologized for being unable to partake in the event directly.
Shihab, living in Saudi Arabia since May 2017, expressed keenness to return to Indonesia, but the Indonesian government has banned him from leaving Saudi Arabia to return to Jakarta.
Speaking in connection with the Shihab-related issue, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD had claimed earlier of no valid evidence of the government having barred Muslim cleric Shihab from returning to Indonesia.
