Jokowi Meets OIC, Discusses Indonesia's Position in Global Islamic Development Issues

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo welcomed the Secretary-General (SG) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha in the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, on Monday, August 7, 2023. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said that the meeting discussed four main agendas related to Indonesia's position on global Islamic development issues, including the Quran-burning incidents in Sweden and Denmark.

Minister Retno said Jokowi and Hissain both condemned the Islamophobic incidents of Quran burning. "President Jokowi appreciated OIC's endeavor to hold a special fashion of OIC'S foreign ministerial meeting, which I personally attended," said Retno when met at the Presidential Palace Complex on Monday, August 7, 2023.

The second agenda referred to the educational access for Afghanistan women, and the importance of humanitarian aid from other countries, including Indonesia.

"During the meeting, also discussed Indonesia's plan to send polio vaccines to Afghanistan as previously agreed with Afghan authorities," she said.

Retno added that the OIC SG was appreciative of Indonesia's efforts, including the active role of Indonesian Islamic scholars in OIC Islamic scholars' visits. "A second Islamic scholar visits from OIC has been planned for this year, with the participation from Indonesia," said Minister Retno.

The third agenda is related to Rohingya refugees entering Indonesia's territory and Cox Bazar, Bangladesh. "The OIC SG hopes for Indonesia to continue to voice Rohingya's concerns in ASEAN forums," she added.

Lastly, the OIC SG hoped Indonesia will increase scholarships for students from African countries. 

ADE RIDWAN YANDWIPUTRA

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