In the history of this country, the get-together is often used as a medium to solve problems in society. Victims of terrorism, for example, meet with perpetrators or the families of the perpetrators, opening the door to forgiveness and the knitting of brotherhood.
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In December 1993, Megawati Soekarnoputri met with Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana (Tutut). The Indonesian people were happy about the meeting of the daughters of the country’s first two presidents.
The meeting of the daughter of the first president of the Republic of Indonesia Soekarno and the daughter of the second president of the Republic of Indonesia Soeharto was not an ordinary meeting. As reported by this daily, the get-together of two women leaders of political organizations, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the Working Group (Golkar), dismissed the issue of bickering between the two national leaders\' families. The people hoped the two would continue to make friends with each other (Kompas, 16/12/1993).
The third president of the Republic of Indonesia, BJ Habibie, frequently highlighted the importance of friendship among the nation’s leaders and among the citizens of this country. When opening the national get-together of the Indonesian Islamic Da\'wah Council (DDII) on Nov. 1, 1998, he invited all people to strengthen the spirit of unity and integrity, by developing relationships in all directions, and maintaining order and peace.
Silaturahmi (get-together), according to the Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia (Big Indonesian Language Dictionary -- KBBI), means the rope of brotherhood. In the history of this country, the get-together is often used as a medium to solve problems in society. Victims of terrorism, for example, meet with perpetrators or the families of the perpetrators, opening the door to forgiveness and the knitting of brotherhood. The get-together can be used as a way to re-tighten the bonds between citizens who have been divided.
Therefore, when a number of political elites, who were previously separated due to political choices, meet in connection with fasting or Idul Fitri, the people gain hope. There is hope that the problems that impact this nation, especially those related to politics, can be resolved without commotion. No one is hurt.
In reality, it is not simple to hold a get-together because in it there must be a willingness to deny oneself, accept others, apologize and offer forgiveness, humbleness and equality in communication. We are grateful that this year, the willingness among the people of the nation to stay in touch has been facilitated by the month of Ramadan and Idul Fitri, which makes it easier for the Indonesian people and their leaders to open the door of apology, to hold the get-together. The get-together should happen easily. The principle of Indonesian unity can easily be realized. Moreover, the Indonesian people are brothers.
Like the Javanese proverb, tega larane ora tega patine, we can have the heart when a relative is suffering, but not when they are dead. As we are brothers and sisters of the same country, of course we can solve whatever problems the nation has, while still respecting each other and prioritizing the interests of the nation.
Muslim scholar Quraish Shihab, 11 years ago, at an Idul Fitri sermon, spoke of the importance of the example set by leaders assembling for get-togethers. The people will follow what the leaders do. The choice now lies with the leaders of this country, who want to be remembered as leaders who united the nation.