President Prabowo Subianto officially opens the 18th Congress of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama at Jatim International Expo (JIExpo), Surabaya city, East Java province, Monday (02/10). (Photo by: BPMI)
President Prabowo Subianto officially opened the 18th Congress of Muslimat (Muslim women) Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) at the Jatim International Expo, Surabaya, East Java province, Monday (02/10).
In his speech, President Prabowo Subianto expressed appreciation for the dedication and contribution of Muslimat NU in advancing the nation along with the Government. He also extended gratitude to the NU for nurturing Muslimat NU.
“I respect and extend my appreciation to NU for supporting Muslimat NU. NU is extraordinary with its history, tradition, and support for saving the nation during every crisis,” the President said.
The congress, with theme “Preserving Tradition, Strengthening Independence, Cultivating Civilization” was attended by thousands of participants across Indonesia.
The event began with the Indonesian national anthem Indonesia Raya, followed by “Ya Lal Wathan” song which symbolized the love for the homeland. The Muslimat NU choir from Blitar regency then performed the Muslimat NU march.
The atmosphere was getting more solemn as the event continued with the recitation of Quranic verses and Shalawat Badar. Cultural elements were also present when students from Khadijah Surabaya performed the traditional Saman dance from Aceh province.
During the event, the General Chairperson of the Central Leadership Board of Muslimat NU Khofifah Indar Parawansa launched three new programs of Muslimat NU: Mustika Darling (Muslimat Cantik Kuat Mandiri Perkasa Sadar Lingkungan – Beautiful, Strong, Independent, Powerful and Environmentally Conscious Muslimat ; Mustika Mesem (Muslimat Cantik Kuat Mandiri Perkasa Mengentaskan Kemiskinan Ekstrem – Beautiful, Strong, Independent, Powerful to Eradicate Extreme Poverty Muslimat) ; Mustika Segar (Muslimat Cantik Kuat Mandiri Perkasa Sehat dan Bugar – Beautiful, Strong, Independent, Powerful, Fit and Healthy Muslimat).
Khofifah also handed over three vests to the volunteers of each program as a symbolic gesture.
As an official gesture to open the Congress, President Prabowo Subianto struck a rebana (a traditional tambourine), which was followed by applause from all participants. (BPMI/ABD) (EST/LW)
