Many Foreign Nationals Convert to Islam in Karawang, MUI Coordinates with Immigration

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Karawang Regency, West Java, is coordinating with the local Immigration Office following a high number of foreign nationals declaring their conversion to Islam at the Karawang MUI office.

“We have visited the Karawang Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office and agreed to enhance synergy to detect potential immigration violations,” said the General Chairman of MUI Karawang, KH Tajuddin Nur, on Friday (31/07/2026).

Lately, a considerable number of foreign nationals have been making their profession of faith at the Karawang MUI office. In fact, almost every month, new converts arrive at the office to be guided through the recitation of the Shahada.

Approximately 30 per cent of these converts are foreign nationals, originating from countries including China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand, as well as European nations such as Germany and Finland. The majority of these foreign nationals choose to convert to Islam due to their intention to marry Indonesian women. Consequently, MUI Karawang is coordinating with the Karawang Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office to discuss and consult on immigration-related matters.

The First Secretary of MUI Karawang, Ustadz Yayan Sopyan, stated that while preachers are pleased to welcome foreign nationals seeking to embrace Islam, they must exercise caution. Therefore, the council seeks guidance from the Immigration Office regarding potential modes of operation or risks of immigration irregularities.