REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KARAWANG -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminds Indonesia Islamic leaders that the country is highly respected abroad as the world's largest Muslim country for its success in maintaining harmony and unity. However, he was sad to see disharmony among the people ahead of elections.

"This is what we often forget. Indonesia, which has large Muslim population is respected by the world for its unity and harmony," the president said on the sidelines of a meeting with Ulema and community leaders at the Asshiddiqiyah III Islamic Boarding School (Pondok Pesantren) in Cilamaya Kulon, here on Wednesday.

Jokowi could not understand that almost every year the momentum of democracy in the elections of regional leaders even election of president has become a momentum potential to split the nation.

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"We have a population of 260 million people, 17,000 islands, 714 tribes. This is a potential and assets, a gift from God. But unfortunately the gift is split when elections take place," he said.

The forum of democracy has often split the community that people refused to talk to each other even between brethren only because of difference in political choices.

"This hurts very badly, as actually Indonesia highly respect and appreciate unity and harmony," he said.

Democracy should serves as an instrument to keep the national unity, not to create enmity and cause disintegration, Jokowi said.  He reminded that one should respect others with their political view and choice.

"All people should be welcome to elect one they think is best, but we must not sacrifice our relationships as brother and sisters," he said.

The president recalled how he was treated respectfully and specially abroad only because he was president of the world's largest and peaceful Muslim country. He was surprised when Saudi King Salman bin Abdul Aziz came to the doorway of his aircraft to pick him up when he visited Saudi Arabia.

He said it was something not common, and King Salman expressed high respect for Indonesia, with the largest Muslim population but so harmonious and united. He said no less surprising was when he visited the United Arab Emirates. The UAE President Sheikh Mohammed personally picked him up from the airport and drove Jokowi himself to his palace.

"I hope that our country, which is so much respected abroad, is not split inside. World's Muslim countries have high respect for us," he said.

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