News
Obama's visit to strengthen US ties with muslim world: Legislator
NU Online · Selasa, 9 November 2010 | 11:12 WIB
Jakarta, NU Online
The visit of US President Barack Obama in Indonesia is expected to strengthen US relations with Muslims around the world, especially in Indonesia, an Indonesian legislator said.
"Obama has scheduled a visit to Istiqlal Mosque, and this will be a gesture of respect to all Muslims, particularly in Indonesia whose Muslim population is the largest in the world," said Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, Vice Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body at the House of Representatives (DPR). />
Assegaf said Obama's visit to the mosque would give a signal to the world that Islam is a peaceful religion and not related to terrorism.
"This will give a clear picture that Islam is a good religion which does not accept any form of violence, including acts of terrorism," she said.
Assegaf said Obama's visit to the mosque was a correct step as it would have a positive impact on the Indonesian people's perception of the US.
Obama's speech at the mosque would be an important opportunity to touch on US relations with Islam in foreign countries, especially Indonesia.
On June 2009, in Cairo, Obama also made a speech addressed to the Muslim world and it was a monumental one, she said.
His agenda to visit the Istiqlal mosque apart, Obama's visit to Indonesia was a positive thing because the two countries could learn from and correct their weaknesses toward each other, she added.
Assegaf said Obama's visit which had been delayed several times in the past, would also be to discuss matters in the economic and political fields.
"Obama's trip is a state visit, but possibly there will be talks on economic cooperation and other things with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. I expect this can be realized," she said.
The meeting between Obama and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was also expected to produce a long term partnership between the US and Indonesia in the economic and political fields as well as in other areas.
In addition to responding to the agenda of Obama`s visit to Indonesia, Nurhayati also expressed hope that the United States government would help accelerate the peace process in Palestine.
"Related to Palestine, I really hope the US will help accelerate the peace process there," Assegaf said.
She said what was happening in Palestine was a matter of concern and sorrow to the world that must be soon resolved in order to provide a better life for the Palestinians.
"I hope that the United States' role in Palestine will be that of restoring the rights of the Palestinians," she added.
Apart from visiting Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the US president was also scheduled to give a public lecture at the University of Indonesia in Depok. Obama is also slated to visit the Kalibata Heroes` Cemetery.
Obama's visit has been awaited by many parties, particularly the Indonesian government, which had actually expected him to come last March.
Obama has a special affinity with Indonesia since he spent part of his childhood in Jakarta which he would now visit as the head of the US government. (ant/dar)
The visit of US President Barack Obama in Indonesia is expected to strengthen US relations with Muslims around the world, especially in Indonesia, an Indonesian legislator said.
"Obama has scheduled a visit to Istiqlal Mosque, and this will be a gesture of respect to all Muslims, particularly in Indonesia whose Muslim population is the largest in the world," said Nurhayati Ali Assegaf, Vice Chairperson of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Body at the House of Representatives (DPR).
Assegaf said Obama's visit to the mosque would give a signal to the world that Islam is a peaceful religion and not related to terrorism.
"This will give a clear picture that Islam is a good religion which does not accept any form of violence, including acts of terrorism," she said.
Assegaf said Obama's visit to the mosque was a correct step as it would have a positive impact on the Indonesian people's perception of the US.
Obama's speech at the mosque would be an important opportunity to touch on US relations with Islam in foreign countries, especially Indonesia.
On June 2009, in Cairo, Obama also made a speech addressed to the Muslim world and it was a monumental one, she said.
His agenda to visit the Istiqlal mosque apart, Obama's visit to Indonesia was a positive thing because the two countries could learn from and correct their weaknesses toward each other, she added.
Assegaf said Obama's visit which had been delayed several times in the past, would also be to discuss matters in the economic and political fields.
"Obama's trip is a state visit, but possibly there will be talks on economic cooperation and other things with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. I expect this can be realized," she said.
The meeting between Obama and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was also expected to produce a long term partnership between the US and Indonesia in the economic and political fields as well as in other areas.
In addition to responding to the agenda of Obama`s visit to Indonesia, Nurhayati also expressed hope that the United States government would help accelerate the peace process in Palestine.
"Related to Palestine, I really hope the US will help accelerate the peace process there," Assegaf said.
She said what was happening in Palestine was a matter of concern and sorrow to the world that must be soon resolved in order to provide a better life for the Palestinians.
"I hope that the United States' role in Palestine will be that of restoring the rights of the Palestinians," she added.
Apart from visiting Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, the US president was also scheduled to give a public lecture at the University of Indonesia in Depok. Obama is also slated to visit the Kalibata Heroes` Cemetery.
Obama's visit has been awaited by many parties, particularly the Indonesian government, which had actually expected him to come last March.
Obama has a special affinity with Indonesia since he spent part of his childhood in Jakarta which he would now visit as the head of the US government. (ant/dar)
Terpopuler
1
Kemenag Tetapkan Gelar Akademik Baru untuk Lulusan Ma’had Aly
2
LKKNU Jakarta Perkuat Kesehatan Mental Keluarga
3
Mahasiswa Gelar Aksi Indonesia Cemas, Menyoal Politisasi Sejarah hingga RUU Perampasan Aset
4
3 Alasan Bulan Kedua Hijriah Dinamakan Safar
5
Kopri PB PMII Luncurkan Beasiswa Pendidikan Khusus Profesi Advokat untuk 2.000 Kader Perempuan
6
Pentingnya Kelola Keinginan dengan Ukur Kemampuan demi Kebahagiaan
Terkini
Lihat Semua
