President Joko Widodo Meets Sulawesi's Ulemas

Presiden Jokowi (dua kiri) saat bersama Ketua Umum PBNU, Said Aqil Siroj (kiri), Dewan Pembina Majelis Dzikir Hubbul Wathon, Ma'ruf Amin (dua kanan), Pengasuh Ponpes Al-Anwar Sarang, Rembang, Wafie Maimoen Zubair (kanan) di Jakarta. (ANTARA FOTO/Riva

Jokowi met the ulama accompanied by Minister of State Secretariat Pratikno.

Jakarta, July 18 (Antara/Megapolitan-Bogor) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) met dozens of ulemas (Muslim clerics) from Sulawesi at the Merdeka Palace here on Tuesday.

"I respect honorable ulemas, especially ulemas from Sulawesi, and KH Sanusi Baco, the chairman of Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) for South Sulawesi, in particular, who are now with us this afternoon" Jokowi stated.

Jokowi met the ulama accompanied by Minister of State Secretariat Pratikno.

"Alhamdulillah, once again I am very grateful that we could meet for a cordial gathering this afternoon. This all is because of the guidance of God," he added.

The president he wanted to invite the ulemas from Sulawesi to have a cordial meeting.

"This afternoon, we can meet again. On this good occasion, we may want to convey some good things related to nationhood, the country's economy, matters relating to politics, and foreign policy," the president noted.

He remarked that he would talk forthrightly with the ulemas.

"I hope we had a frank talk," he revealed.

Penerjemah: Bustanuddin.