By: Abdul Kohar)*
President Jokowi is set to become an influential Muslim figure in the world. This is an achievement because it proves that not only the Indonesian people admire him, but also the international world, especially Muslim countries.
President Joko Widodo has re-entered as one of the influential Muslim figures. He succeeded in becoming a charismatic president and was loved by the people, because he was humble and thought about the progress of Indonesia to the far future. No wonder he has always been loved, not only by our people but also by the international community.
The international community respects the figure of President Jokowi because he is forward-thinking and able to be flexible in his association with other countries. When President Jokowi is included in the list of the top 50 influential Muslim figures in the world, this proves that he is admired by many people, especially from Muslim countries. This is an honor because not all Muslim presidents are on the list.
This award was given by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center (RISSC). President Jokowi is in 13th place. Figures from Indonesia who are also included in this list are PBNU Chairman Said Aqil Siradj who is in 20th place, while MUI Deputy Chair Din Syamsuddin is 21st.
While in position 1 of the list of the most influential Muslim figures in the world is the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. In 2nd place is King Salman, the leader of Saudi Arabia. His position changed drastically because last year the first in line was Turkish President Erdoan.
This is not the first time that President Jokowi has entered the list of influential Muslim figures in the world. In 2017 he also entered into this prestigious ranks. This shows that he has always been respected and earned the trust of the international community, especially Islamic countries.
When President Jokowi enters the top 50 most influential Islamic figures, it is a great honor. The reason is because he is side by side with other popular figures. Among them is King Salman, the leader of Saudi Arabia. Also Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran’s leader, and Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan.
President Jokowi’s inclusion in this list shows that he is respected by the leaders of Islamic countries. They consider Indonesia as a brother, because the majority of the population is Muslim. Brotherhood that occurs on the basis of humanity and compassion, thus strengthening bilateral relations.
President Jokowi also shows his charisma in international relations. If he is included in the list of influential Muslim figures, it proves his shrewdness in getting along. Not only to European countries but also to countries in West Asia and the Middle East. So that they do not indiscriminately interact in international relations.
If Indonesia has good relations with other countries, especially fellow Muslims, it will also affect the economy. These countries will like to associate with President Jokowi and are easy to lobby, so they are willing to invest, and cooperation projects will be carried out. It is foreign investment that saves us during the pandemic because it can move the wheels of the economy.
This achievement and ease of lobbying is due to President Jokowi’s greatness in interacting with all leaders of other countries in the world, especially Muslim countries. They are happy because the president of Indonesia is very friendly and sympathetic. So it is natural to get a prize and be included in the list of the top 50 most influential Muslim leaders.
President Jokowi is proud of being included in the top 50 most influential Muslim figures in the world. He deserved it, because he was always obedient and loved by the people. The international community, especially fellow Muslims, also admire him.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students