Jakarta (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — President Joko Widodo engaged in lively discussions with Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and other Cabinet members during a Ramadan iftar event with the Indonesia Maju Cabinet at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.
The event, attended by several cabinet ministers, was characterized by a convivial atmosphere as ministers gathered around circular tables arranged for the occasion.
Minister Prabowo, Minister Airlangga, and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Polhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto were seated together with President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma’ruf Amin at one table.
On the President’s left side sat Airlangga and Prabowo, while on his right side were the Vice President and Hadi Tjahjanto.
Prior to the commencement of the event, ministers at their respective tables were observed engaging in discussions.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi was seen conversing with Prabowo and Airlangga at his table alongside Vice President Ma’ruf Amin.
Although the specifics of the conversations between the President and the ministers remain undisclosed, the ambiance during the iftar appeared warm and filled with laughter.
The event commenced with friendly interactions among members of the Indonesia Maju Cabinet, followed by a sermon delivered by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin.
During his sermon, the Vice President touched upon natural and Sharia law, emphasizing the significance of fasting as a special act of worship.
“Fasting is a special act of worship. Why is it special? Because fasting is intangible. There’s no apparent difference between someone fasting and someone not fasting,” stated the Vice President.
He also spoke about self-control, expressing hope that the Indonesian nation would exercise restraint post-election.
“Now, I hope that all of us as a nation can exercise self-control, especially after this election,” he added.
Following the Vice President’s sermon, it was the turn of Miftah Maulana Habiburrahman, also known as Gus Miftah, the mentor of Ora Aji Sleman Islamic boarding school, to deliver a sermon.
Gus Miftah highlighted the blessings brought by Ramadan, not only for Muslims but also for people of other faiths.
“There’s a joke about the scramble for iftar snacks. At 3 o’clock, non-Muslims have already bought their iftar snacks, but by 5 o’clock, when Muslims want to buy them, they’re all sold out. So, I’ve decided that tomorrow for Easter, I’ll buy all the Kinder Joy eggs so that non-Muslims can only buy Kinder Joy eggs,” joked Gus Miftah, eliciting laughter from the audience.
He also mentioned the tradition in the Islamic world where presidents are often accompanied by a humorous figure, such as Abu Nawas during the reign of Caliph Harun al-Rashid.
“But I believe President Jokowi doesn’t need to invite a comedian because we have a funny minister, Mr. Bahlil. I suspect Mr. Bahlil became a minister not because of his achievements but because he’s funny,” he quipped.
During the event, Gus Miftah expressed his belief in the Indonesian people’s love for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
