Cak Imin: Betawi Scholars' Haul Becomes Arena for Building New Jakarta Civilization

Jakarta marked its 499th anniversary with a grand commemoration, the Haul Akbar Ulama dan Habaib Betawi, held at the South Monas Plaza. The event, which drew around 20,000 participants, featured collective prayers and recitations, celebrating the legacy of Betawi scholars and religious leaders.

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First, of course, we are all grateful for the Governor's idea to hold the Haul Akbar for the first time. It is very grand because what we are honoring are the habaib, the mashayikh, the teachers, the heroes, and the figures who have greatly contributed to building Jakarta, building the ummah, and building society so that Jakarta remains strong and solid to this day.

Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Community Development, Muhaimin Iskandar, lauded Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung for initiating the event. Iskandar highlighted the gathering's significance in tracing, emulating, and continuing the struggles of scholars and Habib who have significantly contributed to building Jakarta and the Indonesian nation. He emphasized that the nation's foundation was laid by these religious figures long before independence.

The Minister viewed the Haul Akbar as a crucial opportunity to foster a new civilization for Jakarta. This vision aims for a city that excels in global development and progress while remaining firmly rooted in its traditional values and culture. The event underscored the importance of preserving heritage as a source of continued advancement.

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The nation was built long before independence by the scholars and the habaib. Therefore, this idea is extraordinary. God willing, with this idea, the Governor will be more blessed and successful in leading us all.

Governor Anung attended the event alongside Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf. The commemoration served not only as a tribute to past leaders but also as a forward-looking initiative to strengthen Jakarta's identity and future trajectory, blending modernity with deep-rooted cultural and religious traditions.

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This Haul Akbar is also a moment for us to continue building a new civilization for Jakarta, which is strong in global development and progress, but remains steadfast and solid in the traditional values and culture that are the source of progress.