Jakarta – President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has clarified his statement about not mixing politics with religion, which generated a negative reaction from several Muslim organizations who accused him of promoting secularism.
The President took time to explain his previous statement during a visit to the Kholifatulloh Singo Ludiro Islamic boarding school in Sukoharjo regency, Central Java, on Saturday.
"Don't misunderstand my statement. It is impossible not to connect politics with religion," the President said.
He also added that religion would always be a very important factor in politics, since every form of politics must be based on honesty and morality, things that were taught by every religion.
"That's what connects religion and politics," Jokowi said. Religion and politics must walk side-by-side, the President added. However, he warned that religion must not be used as a political commodity.
Previously, during a working visit to Barus in Central Tapanuli regency, North Sumatra, last month, Jokowi said religion and politics should be separated as mixing them together could be dangerous for national unity.
The statement received criticism from several conservative Muslim organizations. The Indonesian Ulema Council criticized the President for making the statement, saying that the statement promoted liberal values that should not be applied in a religious country like Indonesia. (hol/rin)