VP Pence's Comment on Asia Trip: Indonesia's Tradition of 'Modern Islam' an 'Inspiration to the World'

Nasarudin Umar (L) and US Vice President Mike Pence (C) gesture next to Muhammad Muzammil Basyuni during a visit to the the Istiqlal grand mosque in Jakarta.

Jakarta, 24 Rajab 1438/21 April 2017 (MINA) – Even before President Donald Trump won the 2016 election, many viewed him as “anti-Muslim.” His advocacy for “extreme vetting” — and two executive attempts to restrict travel from a number of predominantly Muslim nations — did little to dispel those feelings.

In the midst of such sentiments, it’s understandable that Vice President Mike Pence faced a bit of an uphill PR battle as he embarked on his first trip through southeast Asia.

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But as he spoke alongside Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Pence reaffirmed the Trump administration’s intentions to find “win-win” answers in all facets of America’s relationship with Indonesia — from trade to defense.

He spoke of the good things that make the two nations similar — such as shared values and democratic ideals — as well as the bad: the shared experience of terrorist attacks on our respective homelands, Independent Journal Review reported.

But then, as he prepared to leave for a tour of the largest mosque in Indonesia, Pence praised the largest Muslim nation in the world for embracing a more moderate and peaceful ideology.

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Pence said the U.S. would continue working with Indonesia to combat terrorism, and said the country’s form of Islam should serve as an example to other nations.

“As the largest majority Muslim country, Indonesia’s tradition of modern Islam, frankly, is the inspiration to the world,” he said. “We commend you and your people. In your nation as in mine, religion unifies — it doesn’t divide. It gives us hope for a brighter future. And we’re all grateful for the great inspiration that Indonesia provides for the world.”

Pence concluded by reassuring the gathered crowd that the Trump administration had no intention of keeping all Muslims out.

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“Rest assured, under President Trump, the United States welcomes all who share our values for that brighter future.” (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)