Prioritize the Interests of Others First, Jokowi Says

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo called the people to put aside personal interests in the fight against the Covid-19 surge as the more virulent Delta spreads.

“In the midst of the current pandemic, we need to be willing to sacrifice even more,” said the President who is popularly known as Jokowi in a televised message on the eve of Eid al-Adha (Day of Sacrifice) on Monday, July 19.

“Sacrificing personal interests and putting the interests of the community and others first,” he added.

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With the high daily number of over 34,000 in Covid-19 cases, the government banned the celebrations for Eid al-Adha across the country, calling Indonesian Muslims to perform Eid prayers with their families at their respective houses as last year’s festival.

Jokowi also hoped that a modest celebration due to the ongoing Covid-19 challenges will not reduce the significant meaning of the festival to expressing gratitude to God. He said that the Eid al-Adha festival brings noble messages of sacrifice and humanity. The two messages are universal in value, still relevant, and should be taken into account in challenging times, including Covid-19.

Also read: Indonesia to Become Asias New Covid Epicenter

The President also extended congratulations to the Muslims celebrating Eid al-Adha on his Instagram account @jokowi on Tuesday, July 20. He hoped that Indonesia will be protected from life’s hazards. “Happy Eid al-Adha, may Allah SWT protect the people of Indonesia from life’s hazards, and pour us with blessings and grace,” he wrote.

He said that the Covid-19 pandemic is a tough and real test. However, the Indonesians are expected to be able to go through this. "We can get through it with sacrifice, togetherness, and earnest effort," he added.

(Writer: Dian Erika Nugraheny | Editor: Diamanty Meiliana)

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/07/20/09490961/jokowi-selamat-idul-adha-semoga-allah-swt-senantiasa-melindungi-bangsa.