TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo reportedly held a closed meeting with eight interfaith figures at State Palace, Jakarta, today, June 2.

The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) Gomar Gultom who was present in the session confirmed that the president talked of the importance of the role of all elements ahead of a new normal era.

Gultom explained Jokowi demanded the religious figures to invite the public to tighten the national discipline amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

“Without discipline, whatever the government’s do will be useless, and the society will continue to be in the shadow of Covid-19 transmission,” Gultom recalled the meeting in his written statement today.

The government is preparing the society to reopen economic and religious activities gradually in 120 regencies or cities whose zero Covid-19 cases, he added.

Other than Gultom, figures attending the meeting were Helmy Faishal Zaini (PBNU), Abdul Mukti (PP Muhammadiyah), KH. Muhyiddin Junaidi (MUI), Gomar Gultom (PGI), Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo (KWI), Wisnu Tenaya (PHDI), Arief Harsono (Permabudhi), and Xs Budi Santoso Tanuwibowo (Matakin).

During the meeting, the interfaith figures also submitted inputs to the president. One of which was conveyed by Abdul Mukti who demanded one same voice from the government officials. “We are facing difficulties if this continues,” said Gultom quoting Mukti.

DEWI NURITA