Jakarta, NU Online
President Joko Widodo has expressed his support for the establishment of an international Islamic university in Indonesia.<>

A press statement received here on Friday from the president's communications team said that he supported the establishment of an international Islamic university and that he also requested for the development of moderate Islamic views in the community.

President Joko Widodo led a closed meeting that was attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla who is also member of the Supreme Council of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Syaifuddin, Chairman of Muhammadiyah Din Syamsuddin, and rectors of the State Islamic University in Indonesia, as well as the former rector of Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University Jakarta, Komaruddin Hidayat.

Jokowi emphasized that teachings of moderate Islam should be upheld in the country.

Indonesia, the president noted, is known for its moderate Islamic views to ensure that the religion is not associated with terrorism and anti-democratic sentiments.

Based on this view, he welcomed the idea of the formation of a moderate Islamic university.

He also believes that the university can make breakthroughs by promoting Islamic values that are in line with the national ideology of Pancasila.

"If we can realize this, Indonesia will be able to produce Islamic scientists like Ibnu Sina and Ibnu Rusyd. The two scientists were recognized across the world for their thoughts and knowledge," he remarked. (masdar)