TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo opened President Cup of Sholawat Nusantara Festival held in Sentul International Convention Center (SICC) in Bogor on Saturday(24/2).
"By saying in the name of God (Bismillahirrohmanirrohim), President Cup of Sholawat Nusantara Festival is declared open," President said in front of thousands of students (santri) attending SICC Bogor, on Saturday (25/2).
President was accompanied by MUI chairman Ma'ruf Amin, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Habib Luthfi bin Yahya and West JavaGovernor Ahmad Heryawan hit gendang rampak together as a sign that the festival begins.
In his opening speech, President said that reciting praises to the prophet (sholawat) can be used to unite fellow Indonesians.
He also urged the students attending to maintain positive thinking, respect, religious values, ethics and manners.
ANTARA