MAKASSAR. President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has expressed hopes that Muhammadiyah, the second-largest Islamic organization in Indonesia, can take up forward-looking religious activities to become an engine of reform in the country.

“It is hoped that Muhammadiyah can strengthen its role as a prime driver of the country’s development,” the President said as quoted by Antara, during his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 47th Muhammadiyah national congress (muktamar) in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Monday.

President Jokowi said Muhammadiyah must be able to answer the various problems Indonesia is facing.

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“Our journey as a nation is still long. There are still many new challenges we must face,” said Jokowi.

He said it was hoped Muhammadiyah could support the establishment of a country that respects diversity.

“We should also become an example of a nation that can live in peace and harmony,” Jokowi said.

The President has also called on Muhammadiyah to keep voicing Indonesia’s support for the independence of Palestine and promotion of world peace.

“As a country with the largest Muslim population in the world, we must dare to voice the independence of Palestine, and promote the creation of a country which is tolerant and peaceful,” he said.

The election of a new Muhammadiyah leader is one of the main agendas of the congress. Current chair Din Syamsuddin has already served two consecutive terms since 2005. At this year's congress, participants will be electing a new chair who will serve until 2020.

First Lady Iriana Widodo and several Cabinet ministers including Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno, Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform Minister Yuddy Chrisnandi, Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin and Industry Minister Saleh Husin, attended the opening ceremony.

Various side events, such as a festival, parade, exhibition and prayer ceremonies will accompany the congress, which will run from Aug. 3 to 7.