Banda Aceh (Antara Bali) -- President Joko Widodo said that he will make it a tradition to visit regions to observe Eid celebrations in the future.
"Thank God, we could meet the people of Aceh. I think this (observing Eid celebrations in regions) can become a tradition. I am happy I had the opportunity to meet the people and exchange forgiveness with them," he said a moment before leaving Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport for Solo, Central Java, on Friday.
He added that by visiting regions, he can meet with the people directly and see how they celebrate the festival.
"Last night, we had a grand Takbir (recital of God's name) event. The Eid prayers performed this morning were also lively and carried out seriously," Jokowi, as the president is fondly called, remarked.
The president also stated, "I think this is something I want to experience again. I will make it a tradition in the coming years."
On the occasion, Jokowi wished all Indonesians a happy Eid.
The president and his entourage left the airport for Solo, Central Java, at 4:16 p.m. on Friday, after celebrating Eid in the province.
"The president left for Solo," Secretary of the Regional Government of Aceh Ali Alfata said here on Friday.
During his stay in the westernmost province of Indonesia, Jokowi carried out activities in the two cities of Meulaboh in West Aceh and in Banda Aceh city, according to Alfata.
Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah and a number of officials of the province saw the president off, he added.
Earlier on Friday, President Jokowi joined the Muslim congregation to perform Idul Fitri prayers at Banda Aceh's Baiturrahan Grand Mosque in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh.
The head of state and First Lady Iriana arrived at the mosque at 7:05 a.m. local time where they were greeted by Governor Abdullah and Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal.
During the prayer service, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ferry Musyidan Baldan, Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah, and several local government officials.
Since 6 a.m. local time, thousands of Muslims flocked to the mosque, where security was tightened, as the president and other state officials offered Idul Fitri prayers.
Furthermore, the prayers were led by Syeck Ali Jaber, who acted as the preacher, as well.
During his Idul Fitri sermon, Jaber stated that being devoted was the key to attaining happiness and salvation, as Allah would ease people's difficulties and bring them good fortune.
He also urged the congregation to pray for their fellow Muslims in other countries, including Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.
"I would like to encourage all those gathered to pray for our fellow Muslims in Palestine, Syria, and Iraq," Jaber remarked during his sermon.
After performing prayers, President Jokowi was swarmed by people congregated at the mosque who were eager to shake hands with him.
"I am really happy to be able to shake hands with the president," Edi, one of the congregation members, said. (WDY)
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2015
"Thank God, we could meet the people of Aceh. I think this (observing Eid celebrations in regions) can become a tradition. I am happy I had the opportunity to meet the people and exchange forgiveness with them," he said a moment before leaving Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport for Solo, Central Java, on Friday.
He added that by visiting regions, he can meet with the people directly and see how they celebrate the festival.
"Last night, we had a grand Takbir (recital of God's name) event. The Eid prayers performed this morning were also lively and carried out seriously," Jokowi, as the president is fondly called, remarked.
The president also stated, "I think this is something I want to experience again. I will make it a tradition in the coming years."
On the occasion, Jokowi wished all Indonesians a happy Eid.
The president and his entourage left the airport for Solo, Central Java, at 4:16 p.m. on Friday, after celebrating Eid in the province.
"The president left for Solo," Secretary of the Regional Government of Aceh Ali Alfata said here on Friday.
During his stay in the westernmost province of Indonesia, Jokowi carried out activities in the two cities of Meulaboh in West Aceh and in Banda Aceh city, according to Alfata.
Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah and a number of officials of the province saw the president off, he added.
Earlier on Friday, President Jokowi joined the Muslim congregation to perform Idul Fitri prayers at Banda Aceh's Baiturrahan Grand Mosque in Indonesia's westernmost province of Aceh.
The head of state and First Lady Iriana arrived at the mosque at 7:05 a.m. local time where they were greeted by Governor Abdullah and Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal.
During the prayer service, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Sofyan Djalil, Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ferry Musyidan Baldan, Governor of Aceh Zaini Abdullah, and several local government officials.
Since 6 a.m. local time, thousands of Muslims flocked to the mosque, where security was tightened, as the president and other state officials offered Idul Fitri prayers.
Furthermore, the prayers were led by Syeck Ali Jaber, who acted as the preacher, as well.
During his Idul Fitri sermon, Jaber stated that being devoted was the key to attaining happiness and salvation, as Allah would ease people's difficulties and bring them good fortune.
He also urged the congregation to pray for their fellow Muslims in other countries, including Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.
"I would like to encourage all those gathered to pray for our fellow Muslims in Palestine, Syria, and Iraq," Jaber remarked during his sermon.
After performing prayers, President Jokowi was swarmed by people congregated at the mosque who were eager to shake hands with him.
"I am really happy to be able to shake hands with the president," Edi, one of the congregation members, said. (WDY)
Editor : I Gusti Bagus Widyantara
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA News Bali 2015