Latest news with #NasaruddinUmar
Asia News Network
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Asia News Network
Act more, regret less: The Jakarta Post
August 4, 2025 JAKARTA – After months of troubling silence in the face of rising violence against religious minorities, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has finally spoken out–expressing regret over the recent attack on a Christian prayer house in Padang, the capital of West Sumatra. The incident, which occurred on the afternoon of July 27, saw a mob vandalize a facility being used for religious education, and the damage extended far beyond the building. Children attending a class at the time were left with not only physical injuries but also deep psychological trauma. The images and testimonies from the scene speak volumes of the fear and insecurity now haunting religious minority communities in a province often cited as one of the least tolerant regions in this predominantly Muslim but diverse country. In response to the attack, Nasaruddin has pledged to send a team to the city to investigate what he describes as a possible 'misunderstanding', emphasizing that the incident has 'tarnished the country's image' as a peaceful, tolerant nation. Nasarudin, also the founder of an interfaith organization, Masyarakat Dialog antar Umat Beragama (Interfaith Dialogue Society), hopes that the attack will be the last of its kind. But hope and regret are no longer sufficient. The Padang incident occurred barely a month after a similar attack in Sukabumi, West Java—another region frequently flagged by human rights groups as hostile to minority religious practices. In that case, a Christian youth retreat held in a private residence was violently disrupted by a local mob, resulting in similar destruction and intimidation. Perpetrators of such acts often justify their behavior by claiming they are enforcing 'public order' regarding unauthorized religious gatherings. But such claims reflect a much deeper structural problem: in many parts of Indonesia, it is nearly impossible for religious minorities to legally establish formal houses of worship. They are left with little choice but to gather in private homes or makeshift venues—settings that are then targeted under the pretext of legal or procedural violations. This problem is rooted in the notorious 2006 Joint Ministerial Decree issued by the Religious Affairs Ministry and Home Affairs Ministry, which sets out onerous requirements for building a house of worship. Religious groups must collect signatures from at least 60 people of different faiths and gain formal permission from both local authorities and religious affairs offices. In areas where religious intolerance is entrenched, this process is not just difficult; it is practically impossible. The regulation has long been criticized as discriminatory and out of step with Indonesia's constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. Instead of facilitating coexistence, it empowers the majority to veto the rights of the minority. It fosters resentment, fuels social division and, as these recent incidents show, creates the conditions for violence. These attacks are not the result of simple 'misunderstandings.' They are manifestations of a broken, biased system that fails to protect the rights of all citizens equally. If the government is serious about preventing further attacks, it must move beyond statements of regret. It must act with urgency to dismantle discriminatory regulations, prosecute those who incite or commit violence and ensure that every citizen—regardless of religion—can worship safely and freely. Nasaruddin's predecessor, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, once promised to revise or revoke the 2006 decree, but his pledge went unfulfilled. Nasaruddin now has a critical opportunity to replace the policy with one that affirms, rather than restricts, religious freedom. Law enforcement, too, must do its part. Those responsible for the violence in Padang, Sukabumi and elsewhere must face justice for breaching a basic human right. As national leader, President Prabowo Subianto must also make his position clear. The right to freedom of religion and belief is protected by the Constitution. Defending that right should not be negotiable. Silence or ambiguity from the highest office only reinforces the perception—among both victims and perpetrators—that the state is absent, indifferent or even complicit. Words alone will not prevent the next attack. Only decisive, meaningful action will.
Nikkei Asia
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Southeast Asia's economic future is tied to religious harmony
Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque Nasaruddin Umar and the late Pope Francis pose for a group photo following a meeting with religious leaders in Jakarta on Sept. 5, 2024. © Reuters Noorhaidi Hasan is the rector and professor of Islam and politics at Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Southeast Asia's rich religious diversity is both a strength and a source of ongoing challenge.
Arab News
01-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Indonesian president makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since taking office
JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will attend the inaugural session of the Indonesia-Saudi Supreme Coordination Council this week, his first official trip to Saudi Arabia since taking office, Indonesia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. The leader of Southeast Asia's biggest economy, who became president last October, left Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon for a three-day trip to the Kingdom. He is accompanied by Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar. Prabowo is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Indonesian foreign ministry said in a statement. 'This state visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Indonesia and Saudi Arabia, particularly in strategic sectors, such as cooperation in economy and investment, energy security, and cooperation to serve Indonesia's Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. The meeting will also be used as an avenue to discuss current regional and global issues, especially developments in the Middle East.' The coordination council was established in October 2023 by the crown prince and former Indonesian President Joko Widodo to align the strategic priorities of the two countries. From its first meeting, Indonesia is expecting 'a number of deliverables in the form of MoU (memorandum of understanding), including between governments and businesses,' the foreign affairs ministry said. Jakarta has in recent years sought to enhance trade ties with Riyadh and gain a greater presence in the Middle East. Bilateral ties have traditionally focused on Hajj and Umrah as Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation, sends the largest Hajj contingent of pilgrims every year. Indonesian and Saudi officials have been in talks to explore untapped potential in commerce, as trade and investment ties have been on the rise. Non-oil trade was worth about $3.3 billion in 2024, showing a 14.5 percent increase compared to 2020. As part of the Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Al-Khorayef's visit to Jakarta in April, the Saudi Export-Import Bank and its Indonesian counterpart signed an agreement aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations between the two countries. Al-Khorayef also signed a memorandum of understanding with Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia to boost cooperation in the mining and minerals sector. Indonesia holds the world's largest nickel reserves and has rich deposits of other minerals, including copper and bauxite. In 2023, its mining sector accounted for about 11.9 percent of the country's gross domestic product.
Malay Mail
28-05-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Indonesia to celebrate Aidiladha on June 6, a day earlier than neighbouring Malaysia and Singapore
JAKARTA, May 28 — Muslims in Indonesia will celebrate Hari Raya Aidiladha on June 6, according to the Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar. He made the announcement after chairing a rukyatul hilal (moon sighting) meeting to determine 1 Zulhijjah 1446H and Hari Raya Aidiladha at the ministry on Tuesday night. 'Based on the reports received, it has been agreed that 1 Zulhijjah will fall on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, and 10 Zulhijjah or Aidiladha will be on Friday, June 6, 2025,' he said in a statement. With this announcement, Indonesia will celebrate Aidiladha a day earlier than its neighbouring countries Malaysia and Singapore. — Bernama
Khaleej Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
These countries will celebrate Eid Al Adha on June 6
[Editor's Note: For latest updates on Eid Al Adha announcements in the UAE and region, read Khaleej Times' live blog here.] Countries across the world have been waiting eagerly to sight the moon which will mark the start of Dhul Hijjah, indicating the day Eid Al Adha will be celebrated, which is 10 days from the start of the month. A day before Eid Al Adha, Muslims mark one of the holiest days — Arafah Day — which falls on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah. Moon sighting is based on the Islamic calendar which is set according to the lunar cycle. This means that all significant days in the Islamic calendar move forward approximately 11 days each year. Therefore, the sighting of the moon determines when the month of Dhul Hijjah starts and when the 10th day will be. This year, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid Al Adha on either Friday, June 6, or Saturday, June 7, depending on the sighting. Eid Al Adha, a holy festival celebrated by Muslims, falls more than two months after Eid Al Fitr. The occasion is marked by faithful through special animal sacrifices, prayers, charity and celebrations. Here are the countries who have spotted the moon on Tuesday, May 27, and will be celebrating the holy festival on Friday, June 6. Indonesia Indonesia will be marking the start of the month on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This means that Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on Friday, June 6 in the Asian country. The Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar announced the date in a press conference at the Office of the Ministry of Religion, Jakarta, after the crescent was spotted on Tuesday, May 27.
