Mataram, NU Online
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said now is the time for Indonesia to serve as the source of Islamic thoughts and studies for the rest of the world, Antara news agency reported.

"Now is the time for Indonesia to serve as the world's source of Islamic thoughts and Islamic studies. Other countries should see and study Islam in Indonesia," the president stated in his speech at the opening of the 26th National Quran Recital Contest (MTQ) at the Islamic Center of Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Saturday evening.

The president added that Indonesia should serve as an Islamic study center for the world because it is home to Islam Washatiyah or moderate Islam.

Other countries, he recalled, are still looking for an ideal Islamic format. "Therefore, I have issued a presidential regulation to establish an international Islamic university."

He hoped that the university would serve as a source of Islamic knowledge and studies, a source of Islamic moral enlightenment, and a fortress to uphold egalitarian Islamic values and tolerance.

President Jokowi also hoped that the MTQ would instill tranquility in the hearts of the people, making them as tranquil as the heart of the Quranic reciters or readers.

"We want the state and nation to be in a state of tranquility, and to be beautiful and peaceful," he stressed. (Masdar)