Jakarta – wapresri.go.id At the closing ceremony of the Indonesian Ulema Council’s (MUI) 2017 People’s Economic Congress, Vice President Jusuf Kalla urged MUI to continue to foster the spirit of Muslims in developing the economy.

“The MUI should be really active in encouraging various parties that intend to build the economy of this ummah … among others, families, entrepreneurs, professionals in the field of business, and the young generation,” said the Vice President in the event held at the Grand Sahid Hotel, Jakarta, Monday (April 24).

According to the Vice President, what is needed now by Muslims to advance their economy is the spirit to move forward and never complain.
“Complaining does not give any benefit and will not change the world for the better. This is where the important role of MUI lies to give encouragement to the people,” he asserted.

The Vice President also reminded that the results of this congress should be really implemented to benefit the community.

“Many congresses often cannot necessarily improve the people’s economy. Only hard work in realizing results of the congress that will benefit the people,” he said.

On the occasion, the Vice President also stated his disagreement that organizations such as the MUI and the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI) which should be the driving force for the people are directly involved in the business.

“(This is) in order that the organizations can focus on (giving enlightenment) to the public and have no conflict of interest by taking advantage in the business world,” said the Vice President.

In terms of entrepreneurial spirit, the Vice President said, Muslims can learn a lot from the people of Chinese descent.

“Chinese families always raise entrepreneurial spirit within their children,” he said.

Previously, in his speech MUI chairman K.H. Ma’ruf Amin said that the congress with the theme “The New Stream of Indonesian Economy” aims to achieve growth stability and economic equity in Indonesia and to strengthen the Muslim economy.

The 2017 People’s Economic Congress was officially opened by President Jokowi on April 22, 2017 and was attended by around 500 people from various Islamic community organizations, universities, employers, and MUI provincial boards.

Also present at the closing ceremony were Head of the Vice Presidential Secretariat Mohamad Oemar, Deputy for the Policy Support on Human Development and Development Equity of the Vice Presidential Secretariat Bambang Widianto, Vice Presidential Expert Team Member Sofyan Wanandi, and Special Staff to the Vice President for Poverty Reduction and Regional Autonomy Syahrul Udjud.