Prophet Muhammad's Birthday: Lawmaker Urges Focus on Peace and National Unity

As Indonesia observes the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Sidkon Djampi, a member of the West Java Regional People's Representative Council (DPRD), is calling for the commemoration to transcend mere ceremony. Djampi urged the public to use the occasion of Maulid Nabi as a vital reminder to embody the Prophet's noble character, foster peace, and reinforce national unity amidst the nation's rich diversity.

Djampi highlighted the enduring relevance of the values taught by Prophet Muhammad, such as compassion, brotherhood, and peaceful coexistence, particularly in contemporary Indonesian society, which is characterized by its varied ethnicities, religions, and cultures. He asserted that differences should not be a cause for division but rather a source of strength for national development. "Maulid Nabi must be a momentum to re-emulate the Prophet. He taught love, brotherhood, peace, and how to build a life together in diversity," Djampi stated.

The legislator underscored the increasing importance of peace messages in the current information-saturated era, advising the public to exercise wisdom and avoid being easily provoked by unverified information. He suggested that the Prophet's attributes of honesty (siddiq), trustworthiness (amanah), clear communication (tabligh), and intelligence (fathanah) serve as essential guides for social and national life. Honesty builds trust, trustworthiness strengthens responsibility, while intelligence and wisdom are crucial for navigating complex issues.

Furthermore, Djampi encouraged the people of West Java to uphold the tradition of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) and mutual respect. He stressed that national unity requires more than just slogans; it must be actively demonstrated in daily life. "Let's not let differences in choices, views, or backgrounds make us lose our sense of brotherhood. Indonesia stands because its predecessors were able to unite differences for one goal: a better national life," he said.

Djampi also views the Maulid Nabi commemoration as an opportunity to strengthen character education for the younger generation. He believes that families, schools, Islamic boarding schools (pesantren), and the community must collectively instill values of good character, tolerance, and patriotism. He concluded by emphasizing that national development encompasses not only infrastructure and economic growth but also the cultivation of a generation with integrity, social concern, and a commitment to maintaining harmony. "If we truly practice the Prophet's values, God willing, society will become more courteous, peaceful, respectful, and strong in maintaining unity," he added.