Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Calls for Strengthened Cross-Faith Social Collaboration During Ramadan

The Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM), A. Muhaimin Iskandar, has called upon religious leaders, philanthropic organisations, businesses, and communities to strengthen collaboration in addressing social problems and poverty.

This was conveyed during the Cross-Faith Warm Corridor Joyful Ramadan Collaboration: Indonesia Empowered through Sowing Hope Ramadan event at the Jakarta International Velodrome on Thursday, 12 March 2026.

“This cross-faith warm corridor joyful Ramadan event represents a new commitment and a forum for togetherness that we must maintain so that, in addition to strengthening unity and increasing dialogue, we can share experiences and work collaboratively by leveraging networks of cross-faith and inter-religious leadership in our collective efforts to address our people’s challenges,” stated Menko PM Iskandar.

He emphasised that Indonesia possesses strong social capital embodied in the tradition of mutual aid (gotong royong) and solidarity that have become national identity markers.

This social concern potential is also reflected in the circulation of social funds during Ramadan, estimated to reach approximately 4.4 trillion rupiah.

Menko PM noted that poverty alleviation efforts require broad collaboration. Currently, approximately 23 million people face economic hardship, with poverty rates at around 8.25 per cent and extreme poverty at approximately 0.85 per cent.

Consequently, the government is promoting synergy between government agencies, zakat organisations, philanthropic organisations, businesses, and volunteers so that social assistance can be better targeted whilst also promoting community empowerment.

“The government, through budgetary resources, will certainly continue to work hard, providing stimulus, social protection, and solutions, but this alone is insufficient given the challenges we face. Collaboration with philanthropic activities, zakat organisations, and the social concern potential of believers of all faiths—zakat for Muslims and the compassionate teachings of other religions—is essential,” explained Menko Muhaimin.

“Therefore, this forum becomes important, as the teachings of our religions share the same purpose: to work together to help and support our less fortunate brothers and sisters,” he added.

Concluding his remarks, Menko Muhaimin called upon all national stakeholders to use the Ramadan momentum to strengthen social solidarity and collaboration in realising a more empowered and prosperous society.