Mahfud MD: Indonesia is Not an Islamic State, But an Islamic-Inspired State

Former Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam), Mahfud MD, has asserted that Indonesia is not an Islamic state, but rather an Islamic-inspired state built upon Islamic values and the agreement of the nation’s founders. According to him, the debate regarding state ideology is over, and attention should now be directed towards law enforcement and poverty alleviation.

The statement was made by Mahfud while speaking at the 15th Plenary Session of the Indonesian Islamic Congress (KUII) with the theme “Civil Society Amidst the Dynamics of Current National Life” at the Bidakara Hotel, Jakarta, on Saturday evening (25/7/2026).

Mahfud explained that the terms ‘Islam’ and ‘Islami’ have different meanings. He stated that Islam refers to a name or symbol, whereas Islami describes the nature and values contained within the religion. “Indonesia is not an Islamic state, but it is an Islami state. Islam and Islami are different. Islam is a name and a symbol, while Islami is a characteristic. Its name does not have to be Islam, but its values must be Islamic,” Mahfud said.

He assessed that the form of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is already in line with the noble values of Islam without needing to use the label of an Islamic state. In his view, substance is far more important than formal symbols.