VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The High-level Consultative Forum of World Muslim Scholars has produced a Bogor Message that contains consideration and commitment points. Indonesian President's Special Envoy for Dialogue and Interfaith Cooperation and Civilization, Din Syamsuddin said in Bogor, West Java on Thursday (May 3) that the Bogor message is an agreement among scholars to revitalize the Wasatiyyat Islam paradigm. He also said that the revitalization of the Wasatiyyat Islam paradigm is expected to provide peace amidst all conflicts in the world. He hopes that the revitalization of the Islamic Wasatiyyat paradigm will continue. So, the unity will be maintained.

“Basically, it is a strong agreement for us to revitalize paradigm Wasatiyyat Islam. So, the issue is revitalization, because, the Wasatiyyat Islam paradigm is already here. It is very central in the scriptures and has been applied in history. However, the latter is neglected. In fact, we see there are other expressions of Muslims as well as by outsiders which pose reaction and action. It makes the world frenzied and chaotic. It is not a small thing. We expect it will be a snowball and we hope it will roll out,” Din Syamsuddin said.

Din Syamsuddin added that Indonesian Muslims have historical and religious responsibilities to continue the initiative at the World Muslim Scholars Forum and Muslim Scholars Forum. He hopes that the Muslims of Indonesia can practice the Wasatiyyat Islam in a real and full responsibility. Furthermore, Din Syamsuddin said that besides producing the Bogor Message, the High-level Consultative Forum of Ulama and the World Muslim Scholars also agreed to form the Islamic World Isastiyat Shaft. The axis is centered in Indonesia and will be the center of interfaith world activity and will follow up the Bogor Message as a result of the Summit of Muslim Ulema and Scholars worldwide. (VOI/Ndy/Trans by Rezha/RHM)

Muslim followers as part of the global community should isolate themselves in the global movement. They have to play active part in the global civilization. This was stated by Grand Mufti Emeritus of Bosnia, Mustafa Ceric to RRI World Service-Voice of Indonesia, after wrapping up the three-day High Level Consultation of World Muslim Scholars on Wasatiyyat Islam in Bogor, West Java on Thursday (May 3, 2018). He also said that individual Muslim should be in the center of civilization and provide their knowledge to promote values of civilization. He emphasized that Muslim should not go for assimilation and forget their roots.

“So, it must be active part of this world global movement that we have, and that means that Muslim must avoid isolation, meaning that they feel that they are self sufficient, never in history where Muslim in total self sufficient. But also Muslim should not go for assimilation meaning to forget who they are, what they are, to forget their roots,”  Mustafa Ceric said.

Mustafa further said that Muslim should cooperate with other parts of the world. He emphasized that it is dangerous if any Muslims think that they have to isolate themselves to other part of the global community. But he urged them not to assimilate just because they want to be accepted by others. Thus, Mustafa added that the solution is that Muslim has to practice Wasatiyyat which means they have to put them in balance, stay in the middle, and open for changing but they are still strong with their faith. (VOI/DP/RHM)

Indonesian Vice President, Jusuf Kalla officially closed the High Level Consultation Forum - World Muslim Scholars at Vice Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (May 3). In his speech, VP Jusuf Kalla hopes that the Forum can contribute to the efforts in a bid to suppress the spread of distorted teachings that could disrupt the stability of the state. He also stated that the spread of doctrine may potentially trigger the creation of conflict in the community. He emphasized the importance of the Ulema’s major role throughout the world to prevent the spread of such deviant teachings by disseminating the true religious teachings to the people.

“That's why, our hope is all in this meeting we may not only think about it but how to stop the teachings that would cause problems in our country,” Vice President Jusuf Kalla said.

Furthermore, Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that Indonesia has a responsibility to create peace in the world. Until now, Indonesia has managed to reconcile the conflict triggered by deviant teachings circulating in the community. He hopes that this can be transmitted to all Muslims in the world. (VOI/Ndy/Trans by Rezha/RHM)

Indonesia and Brunei are committed  to increase trade between the two countries in the future. The commitment was reached after a meeting conducted by President Joko Widodo and Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah at the Presidential Palace of Bogor, West Java, Thursday, May 3, 2018.

President Joko Widodo, when delivering his introduction in a bilateral meeting, said that cooperation between the two countries has been well established. He also joyfully welcomed the visit of Sultan Brunei to Indonesia.

"Welcome Sri Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and all delegates from Brunei Darussalam at Bogor Palace, it is an honor for us to receive your visit to Indonesia," said the President.

The Sultan of Brunei Darussalam himself later revealed that his visit this time was a return visit to the presence of President Joko Widodo in the 50th anniversary of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Bertahta in October 2017 last year. He hopes that with this visit both countries can continue to strengthen friendship.

"I believe this exchange of visits reflects a close friendship and a long-standing understanding between the two countries," Sultan said.

After the meeting, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Retno Marsudi, explained that the two countries discuss about trade cooperation. She said that trade between the two countries has indeed declined in terms of trade value. However, the decline is not related to trading volume.

"Trade between Indonesia and Brunei has decreased, but this decline is not related to trading volume but with the value of trade due to the decline of oil prices.By Brunei previously exported oil to Indonesia with oil prices falling, the value of the trade decreased automatically, "she said.

To that end, the two leaders of the country committed to increase trade by among others exploring the potential cooperation, trade, and investment that can be done by both countries.

"Both leaders said that for the field of investment, for example, which has a high potential to be developed, among others in the field of fisheries, agriculture, shipping, and ports," she added.

Brunei Darussalam is also interested in investing in the development of "10 New Bali".

Another potential that continues to be improved is the sale of the main tool product weaponry system (alutsista) made in Indonesia. Retno said that they are primarily interested in armored vehicle personnel carriers and weaponry. ( rel biro pers )