Jusuf Kalla advises to never pit Islam against nationalism

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Vice President Jusuf Kalla said that Islam has played a very important role regarding the development of nationalism in Indonesia. The Acehnese, for example, feel close and could develop friendship with the people of Bugis or Makassar, and so do other tribes in the archipelago.

"Its because of Islam," he stated in his speech, after receiving the honorary doctorate degree from the University of Muslim Indonesia (UMI), according to a press release received by Antara on Saturday (June 23).

Kalla, who was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in political Islam, spoke on "Actualization of Islam Principles to Strengthen Spirit of Nationalism." He noted that as a unifying factor, Islam boosts growth and strengthens brotherhood among Muslims of different tribal and ethnic groups.

In its development, Islam has boosted brotherhood among common citizens during the Dutch colonialism in the archipelago. "We can see that Islam has boosted the growth of brotherhood among common citizens and has become the foundation of the spirit of nationalism," he remarked.

Therefore, never pit Islam against nationalism and Indonesian nationhood, he advised. He added that Islam includes the teachings of Allah SWT, given through Prophet Muhammad SAW, who holds the highest place and nobility in life and among Muslims.

"We must keep Islam in its high position and nobility and never reduce it to the empirical-sociological reality and phenomena, such as nationalism," he explained.

In view of that, Kalla appealed to all people to avoid pitting Islam against nationalism. "Creating a distance between them or contradicting them will not benefit our life as Muslims as well as the citizens of Indonesia," he elaborated.

Nationalism is a human product built from various factors, such as history, social development, culture, and religiosity of the people, he remarked.

"All the factors combine to play a role in building nationalism," he added.

Quoting Syekh Tasyid Ridha, the vice president highlighted that nationalism does not run against Islam but is part of faith. "The faith of a Muslim is not complete if he does not love his country," Kalla explained.

On the occasion, he congratulated UMI in connection with its 64th anniversary. He added that UMI is one of the oldest universities in the country and he was grateful it could survive and develop despite all the changes and challenges.

"On behalf of the government, I wish to thank, appreciate, and give the highest honor for the services and dedication provided by UMI so far to contribute to the development of the nation through education. I hope UMI will continue to grow to contribute more to the people and the country," he pointed out.