REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) invites all Muslims in the country to use their voting right on April 17. The statement came ahead of election which will be held simultaneously, to choose House of Representatives (DPR), Regional Representative Council (DPD), and Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) members, also president and vice president.
MUI deputy chairman Zainut Tauhid Sa’adi said by giving their votes, people will give their mandates to those who are elected to express their aspirations and hopes. The institution considered it is necessary to convey the statement related to election to all Muslims and all components in Indonesia.
“We encourage Indonesian Muslims to use their voting rights with full awareness and responsibility to choose leaders (nashbul imam) according to their conscience," Zainut said on Tuesday.
Zainut ask Muslims to choose leaders who are faithful and pious, honest (siddiq), trustworthy, active, and aspirational (tabligh), have the ability (fathanah), and fight for the interests of Muslims. MUI also urged Muslims and all the community, also institutions to actively participate in maintaining conducive, orderly and safe situations and conditions during 2019 election, until the result announcement.
Zainut said all the alleged violations during election must be reported directly to authorities. He also reminded that 2019 election is a part of state agenda in order to choose and uphold leadership in Indonesia.
Election must be held with full of responsibility and joy to elect leaders in egislative and executive institutions. As well as the momentum of collective efforts to improve the life of the nation in order to safeguard religious values and prosperity of humanity (hirasat ad-din wa siyasat ad-dun-ya).
"Because the election result is very important in the state and national life, also will determine the direction of the nation's journey, the development and administration of the country for the next five years," Zainut explained.