- Title: Indonesian President congratulates Trump, citizens worried
- Date: 10th November 2016
- Summary: JAKARTA, INDONESIA (NOVEMBER 9, 2016) (REUTERS) EXTERIOR OF PRESIDENTIAL PALACE INDONESIA NATIONAL EMBLEM
- Embargoed: 25th November 2016 02:56
- Keywords: Indonesia USA election Joko Widodo Donald Trump Muslim cleric
- Location: JAKARTA, INDONESIA
- City: JAKARTA, INDONESIA
- Country: Indonesia
- Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
- Reuters ID: LVA00157V1UMF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation, congratulated Donald Trump on Wednesday (November 9) for winning the U.S. election.
"I congratulate the elected President Donald Trump. Indonesia is ready to continue the cooperation with the United States, which is mutually beneficial. I also invite the President-elect of the United States to continue to work together to maintain peace and prosperity for the world," Widodo told reporters hours after the result was announced.
Victory of Trump was met with dismay in many Muslim nations, as they said they feared it might raise tensions between the West and Islam and contribute to radicalization.
Businessmen in Jakarta were worried about the possibility of reduced business opportunities.
"It will affect us, we don't know what is his plan for the future, maybe he would also ban or reduce commitment with the Muslim nations, we don't know. So, in our opinion, it will be a risk to do business," said Freddy Tambunan, a businessman in Jakarta.
An official from the faith's top clerical body there said Trump's election could create new tension between the U.S. and the Islamic world, adding that idea of "exclusion" is not an option.
"He should not continue his ideas, his mind, as I observed during the presidential campaign that he wants to exclude the Muslims, to prevent the Muslims to enter the United States for example because it's (a) kind of idea and orientation and behaviour of exclusive, it's not suitable for modern era," said Din Syamsuddin.
Trump's surprise victory in the U.S. presidential election was met with protests across cities in the United States, blasting his controversial campaign rhetoric about immigrants, Muslims and other groups.
Trump is expected to meet Barack Obama on Thursday (November 10) as transition period begins before the inauguration ceremony on January 20. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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