Opening the BKM National Working Meeting, the President Encourages Mosques to Become Centers for National Progress and Community Development

By : Nata Kesuma | Friday, November 10 2023 - 06:15 IWST

President Jokowi opens the BKM National Working Meeting, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (08/11/2023). (Photo: Regency/Agung Public Relations)

INDUSTRY co.id - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hopes that the existence of the Mosque Welfare Board (BKM) can encourage mosques to become centers for the development of the people and progress of the nation.

This was conveyed by Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) when opening the BKM National Working Meeting (Rakernas), at the State Palace, Wednesday (08/11/2023).

"Through BKM's role, we hope that these places of worship can be managed professionally, moderately and empowered, for the benefit of the people, so that the mosque can become a center for developing the people, a center for the nation's progress, and a mosque that is friendly to all," said the President.

The President believes, with members reaching more than 17,600 mosques and spread throughout the country, the potential benefits of BKM are enormous for Muslims and the Indonesian nation. The President also hopes that houses of worship can become solemn places for worship, uniting diversity, as well as educational places for character learning.

"I also hope that the BKM management, both at the central and regional levels, can actively synergize, actively collaborate to protect the mosque from the threat of intolerance and extremism as well as from divisive politicization, which does not unite us, does not make us harmonious, so that unity and national unity can continue to be maintained," he said.

On this occasion, the President also appreciated the BKM revitalization efforts carried out by the Ministry of Religion. According to the President, BKM has existed since 1964.

" Two weeks ago the Minister whispered to me, 'Sir, we have to reactivate this BKM like it did in the 60s.' I said, 'Ready, Minister.' What this means is that if there is a regulation that is needed, we will prepare it, whether it is a presidential decree, whether it is a presidential decree, we will prepare it later. "Everything else is the Minister's business," he concluded. (DND/UN)