To spur the development of Islam as a religion of grace for all mankind, Universitas Malikussaleh is participating in efforts to accelerate the program of establishing the Islamic Center in Bener Meriah.
This activity was attended by the Rector of Universitas Malikussaleh and his entourage during a consensus regarding the declaration of the establishment of the Islamic Center, whose groundbreaking was centered in Bandar District, Bener Meriah Regency on Saturday, February 7, 2021.
The meeting was also attended by community leaders, religious leaders, and President Joko Widodo's Nawacita Team.
As for the Universitas Malikussaleh team, in addition to the Universitas Malikussaleh Chancellor, Dr. Ir Herman Fithra, ASEAN Eng; also attended the former chancellor, Prof. Hadi Iskandar; former Dean of FEB Universitas Malikussaleh, Dr. Faisal Matriadi; Iskandar Zulkarnain, Ph.D.; and the Head of UPT Public Relations and External Relations, Teuku Kemal Fasya.
At the friendly meeting, Herman Fithra welcomed the goal of establishing the Islamic Center, which has been President Joko Widodo's dream since his first term of leadership.
As stated by the Nawacita Team, FX Sunarto, since the first time Jokowi wanted the largest Islamic Center in Asia. This is none other than because Indonesia as the largest Muslim country in the world has set a good example in the development of diversity and a strong nationality.
“The major Islamic organizations in Indonesia are also big assets in realizing a moderate and peaceful Islam, which can become an example for other Islamic worlds. So it's not wrong if the program name is Bandar Islamic Center Joko Widodo, because Gayo's land is also his second home,” he said.
This proposal was immediately agreed upon by all the participants present. Also witnessing at the meeting were Mr. Amantur, President Jokowi's adoptive parents.
In this activity, in addition to visiting the development point which was inaugurated by the Governor of Aceh, Ir Nova Iriansyah, MT at the end of December 2020, it was also continued by finalizing the concept of proposals to be submitted to President Jokowi, including establishing an integrated Islamic boarding school with the concept of Islamism, nationalism, and skills and also presents an applied coffee research center that will help increase the production quantity and grade of Gayo coffee which is known as one of the best in the world.
This activity will be continued by building an understanding between the three regents in the Gayo highlands, namely in Bener Meriah, Aceh Tengah, and Gayo Lues. The process will be facilitated by the Universitas Malikussaleh Rector. Accelerate this work plan so that the inauguration of the Islamic Center can be carried out before Jokowi's term ends. Of course, this is an important legacy in addition to the infrastructure projects that have been promoted at this time.[tkf]