MPR Chairman Expresses Hopes for National Unity at Prayer Event

Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Chairman Ahmad Muzani articulated his hopes for the nation's integrity and unity during the closing moments of a national prayer and zikir event. The gathering took place at the National Monument (Monas) in Central Jakarta on Saturday evening.

Muzani, who arrived around 9 PM, delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of remaining united. "We have just offered our zikir and prayers, hopefully, all our zikir and prayers are accepted by Allah SWT, hopefully, with prayers, Indonesia remains whole, hopefully, we remain united by Allah SWT," Muzani stated. He also prayed that the nation would be protected from division and that the country's leaders would remain under divine protection.

President Prabowo Subianto was originally scheduled to attend the event. However, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar explained that the President could not join the collective prayer and zikir due to pressing state affairs. "He also has very important state duties, and he conveys his greetings to all of us," Umar said.

The Zikir & Doa Kebangsaan, or National Prayer and Zikir, commenced in the afternoon and concluded around 9:30 PM. The event formally closed with renditions of the Indonesian national anthem, "Indonesia Raya," followed by the national song "Hari Merdeka."