Interfaith Leaders: President Has Heard Aspirations, Committed to Meeting Them

rnJakarta — Religious leaders said President Prabowo Subianto has directly listened to public aspirations during a meeting at the Merdeka Palace on Monday (Sept. 1). The discussion was attended by leaders of major faith-based organizations, including Nahdlatul Ulama, the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Supreme Council for Confucian Religion in Indonesia (MATAKIN), Wahdah Islamiyah, and Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia.rnYahya Cholil Staquf, chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU), stressed that the meeting was a mutual necessity for religious leaders to convey the voices of their communities.rn“This meeting with the President was something we religious leaders sought. We have a responsibility to present the aspirations of our congregations and communities—these are, after all, the aspirations of the people,” Yahya said.rnHe added that the President not only listened and understood but also demonstrated concrete steps in response.rn“It is clear that the hopes and demands have been heard, understood, and are now being systematically and strategically addressed,” he said.rnYahya noted that religious leaders are ready to support the government in creating security and calming their followers. He also welcomed the President’s suggestion to hold such dialogues regularly.rnJacklevyn Frits Manuputty, chairman of PGI, praised the President’s openness during the discussions.rn“We very much hope that the spirit of this meeting and the unity it represents can be extended to society at large, across provinces and regions, so that we may continue to weave together the fabric of national cohesion,” he said.rnManuputty added that the conversation was wide-ranging and transparent, covering issues from burdensome taxation and corruption to the behavior of officials and even the proposed increase in parliamentary allowances.rn“The President also pledged, for example, to push forward the Asset Seizure Bill and to work on it seriously with parliament,” he said.rnBudi Santoso Tanuwibowo, chairman of MATAKIN, emphasized the President’s stance on free expression.rn“As a democracy, he guarantees freedom of expression. At the same time, he reminded us that this freedom should not be misused or stretched to the point of damaging public facilities—facilities that belong to us all and must be protected. Otherwise, we are only harming ourselves,” he said.rnInitiative Came from Religious GroupsrnWahdah Islamiyah chairman Ustaz Zaitun Rasmin clarified reports about the meeting.rn“First, it was quite surprising to hear the President explain that he never actually invited 16 organizations. So let me correct some of the media headlines that read, ‘President invites 16 religious groups.’ In reality, that was not the case. It was we who took the initiative,” Zaitun said.rnHe reaffirmed the organizations’ support for the government while extending condolences to victims of recent protests across the country.rn“We also expressed our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the demonstrations in various regions—including those injured and those who suffered economic losses,” he added.rnFrom Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia, chairman Wisnu Bawa Tenaya conveyed a moral message through the values of panca satya.rn“First, satya heraya: listen to your conscience and the people’s voice. Second, satya wacana: guard your words—your mouth can be your tiger. Third, satya semaya: promises must be kept. Fourth, satya mitra: foster friendship and synergy among all religious organizations. And finally, satya laksana: always do your best,” Wisnu said.rnHe urged the President to be bold in holding powerful figures accountable, not just ordinary citizens, and called on the nation to preserve unity.rn“Let us remain united, place our trust in Almighty God, and continue to pray for Indonesia’s peace and prosperity. Let us proclaim: ‘Indonesia united,’ let us pray: ‘Indonesia prosperous,’ and let us pledge: ‘Indonesia everlasting,’” he concluded.rn