4 August 2008

CLOSING REMARKS
BY
H.E. DR. HASSAN WIRAJUDA
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA
AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ISLAMIC SCHOLARS
JAKARTA, 1 AUGUST 2008

Dr. K.H. A. Hasyim Muzadi, Secretary-General of ICIS,
Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the Government of Indonesia, I wish to express our appreciation to all of you whose cooperation and support ensured the success of this Conference. I am heartened by the fact that the Conference has yielded positive results. I am confident that in years to come, you will carry out great devotion the provisions of the “Jakarta Message on Upholding Islam as Rahmatan lil Alamin: Peace Building and Conflict Prevention in the Muslim World.”

Distinguished Participants,

I should like to recall the statement of the President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Opening of the Conference that you have the opportunity to formulate practical measures to overcome political, economical and social barriers in the efforts to promote peace and development. You have made good use of that opportunity. Not only have you formulated these vitally needed practical measures, you have committed yourselves to ensuring their implementation. You have therefore done a great service to the Ummah.

I fervently hope that you will continue giving the Ummah that kind of service for the task of promoting peace and development does not belong to the Government alone. It is the responsibility of all stakeholders in society. That is why Government must vigorously seek and sustain partnership and collaboration with civil society in providing for the social and economic welfare of the Ummah at large.

Indeed, I have always held the view that the raising the social and economic welfare of the Ummah is the first step that Islamic Scholars should take in advocating and working for sustained peace in the Muslim world. Nowhere can there be a peace without development.

Consider, therefore, that only nine countries in the Muslim world belong to the high development category of countries, while the rest are struggling to keep pace with the economic needs of their citizens. We must work for development while we strive to eradicate social injustice and redress the grievances that fuel conflicts among the Ummah, among peoples of different beliefs and between the Ummah and governments.

This is truly a noble task that Islamic Scholars have chosen to shoulder, and a remarkable feat when realized. It is very much worthy of your spiritual calling.

Distinguished Participants,

The Jakarta Message that has been adopted today reflects those measures that the Government of Indonesia is taking and supporting. It incorporates the fundamental principle of Islam as Rahmatan lil Alamin which is very much attuned to the needs of society in today’s world. It further advances the cause of peace and harmony, an endeavour In essence it promotes values of peace and moderation, an endeavour that ICIS has pursued since its first Conference in Jakarta in 2004.

Furthermore, the Jakarta Message goes beyond the recommendations of the first and second Conference. It translates words into action with the establishment of “ulama sans frontieres” and the restructuring of the organization of ICIS. I applaud the Ulama for taking the bold initiative of going beyond boundaries in its efforts at conflict prevention and peace-building.

This is by no means an easy task, but with the restructuring of the mandate of ICIS, and with your devout participation and support, that goal I am sure is attainable and you will attain it. With compassion and dedication to peace and social justice, the ulama will bring the message of peace to the Muslim world.

Distinguished Participants,

Let me once again, convey our heartfelt appreciation to all of you for your active participation and contributions to the success of the Conference.

I believe that your dedicated labours deserve a reward. A soothing and relaxing one, that is. Hence, I urge all of you to enjoy the offering of Visit Indonesia Year 2008 and see as much as you can of Jakarta and its attractions before returning to your beloved countries. Enjoy your stay, enjoy the ambience, then have a safe journey home.

I thank you

Source : Department of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia