August 11, 2025 | 06:36 am
Tens of thousands of Muslim worshipers took part in the state defense pledge at Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta on Sunday night, August 10, 2025. The pledge was led by the Secretary of the Commission for Interreligious and Interfaith Relations of the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PWI), Aloysius Budi Purnomo.
Aloysius attended the event titled National Dhikr and State Defense Pledge as the representative of the Catholic faith. Alongside Aloysius, representatives of other religions including Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism, and Confucianism were also present.
They observed as the dhikr and lectures were delivered in the main prayer hall of the Istiqlal Mosque. Subsequently, Aloysius was asked to lead the pledge in front of members of other faiths. "The State Defense Pledge will be led by the Secretary of the PWI, Father Aloysius Budi Purnomo," the host announced.
Aloysius then led the pledge. Others followed Aloysius' words, including the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar.
"State Defense Pledge," said Aloysius in front of tens of thousands of worshipers at the Istiqlal Mosque. "In the spirit of national unity and a love for our homeland based on the noble values of humanity, with full awareness and responsibility, we, all sons and daughters of Indonesia, declare this pledge," he stated.
"First, we commit to upholding Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution and are always ready to safeguard and uphold the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia as a form of love for our country," Aloysius added.
Second, the pledge also addresses the commitment to build and uphold a moderate attitude in religious life. "And to reject all forms of extremism and violence in the name of religion or any ideology," he said.
Third, the State Defense Pledge also addresses tolerance and mutual respect among followers of different faiths. "Strengthening the bonds of national brotherhood, humanity, and faith for the unity of the nation."
At the end of the pledge, Aloysius pronounced the cry for independence. Tens of thousands of worshipers at the Istiqlal Mosque then echoed the cry.
The National Dhikr and State Defense Pledge event was held by the Muslim community organization Jamiyyah Ahlith Thariqah Al Mu'tabaroh Ahlussunnah wal Jamaah or Jatma Aswaja. The community was founded by former member of the President's Advisory Council (Wantimpres) during Joko Widodo's era and also the Chairman of Jatma Aswaja, Luthfi bin Yahya.
The General Secretary of Jatma Aswaja, Helmy Faishal Zaini, stated that there were over 50,000 people present at tonight's national dhikr event. "The first, second, and third floors of Istiqlal Mosque were filled with worshipers from all over Indonesia," said Helmy in the mosque area, which was established on February 22, 1978.
According to Helmy, today's event was a combination of religious and national activities. He said that nationalism and religion are inseparable. Therefore, he stated, the Joint Dhikr and State Defense Pledge event was held to welcome the 80th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia, which will be celebrated on August 17, 2025.
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