Jusuf Kalla: Eid al-Adha Opportunity for Global Gaza Rehabilitation

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Former Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) highlighted the situation in Gaza, Palestine, during Eid al-Adha 1447 Hijriyah. He stated that Eid al-Adha should serve as a moment for countries worldwide to collectively rehabilitate Gaza, which remains in a state of conflict. ‘May Palestine and Israel reach an agreement, and may the world unite to rehabilitate the situation,’ JK said after Eid prayers at Al-Azhar Grand Mosque on Wednesday (27 May 2026). ‘Gaza is somewhat better off compared to last year. Last year was full of attacks, now there is a ceasefire,’ he said. JK also expressed agreement with the sermon delivered by Muhammadiyah leader Din Syamsuddin, who served as the Eid al-Adha prayer imam at Al-Azhar Grand Mosque. In his sermon, Din emphasised the importance of Muslim unity in building Indonesia and adhering to religious teachings. ‘Yes, as mentioned in the sermon, we must remember sacrifice, unity, worship, and faith in Allah SWT,’ he said. In addition to JK, Jimly Asshidique, a member of the Ethics Council of Indonesia’s Ombudsman, also commented on the matter. ‘The Muslim world needs stronger unity. Why can’t Arab nations agree when facing Israel? Don’t fixate solely on Sunni-Shia divisions; why are we supporting Zionist interests? This lack of unity is the issue,’ Jimly said in a separate interview. However, Jimly stated that regardless of the conflict, all religious communities worldwide must defend Palestine as the issue is not merely religious but humanitarian.