Minister of Religious Affairs Launches Book “Exemplar of the Minister” by UIN Ar-Raniry Academics
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - The Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar, launched the book “Teladan Sang Menteri”, written by academics from Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Ar-Raniry in Banda Aceh, at the VIP Room of Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Monday.
The book launch was marked by the signing of a mock-up cover and the symbolic handover of the book by Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar.
“This book highlights the figure of Nasaruddin Umar as a scholar, academic, and statesman through a reflective biographical approach,” said the Rector of UIN Ar-Raniry, Prof Mujiburrahman, who is also one of the book’s authors.
The book also recounts how Nasaruddin was raised in a religious environment that instilled values of discipline, integrity, and a love for knowledge. Cultural values from the Bugis tradition, such as siri’ na pacce, are mentioned as playing a role in shaping his leadership character.
The authors not only present Nasaruddin Umar’s life journey chronologically but also discuss his intellectual ideas and contributions to public policy, particularly in the field of religious affairs.
Nasaruddin’s intellectual journey developed through his education at IAIN Syarif Hidayatullah in Jakarta until he earned his professorship. He is known as a progressive thinker who bridges classical Islamic scholarship with the challenges of modernity.
One of the ideas spotlighted in the book is religious moderation. Nasaruddin Umar is depicted as a figure who consistently promotes dialogue, inclusivity, and unity in a diverse society.
In the field of education, the book introduces the concept of a “curriculum of love” that places the value of compassion as the primary foundation in the learning process.
From a leadership perspective, Nasaruddin Umar is portrayed as a humane religious bureaucrat who prioritises moral and spiritual values in carrying out his public role.
Through this book, the academics from UIN Ar-Raniry present a complete portrait of Nasaruddin Umar, not only as a state official but also as a figure with a strong intellectual and spiritual journey.
They hope the book can serve as a reference for academics, policymakers, and the wider public in understanding a model of moderate and inclusive religious leadership.
The book was written by Mujiburrahman, Reza Idria, Kamaruzzaman, Rahmad Syah Putra, Muhajir Al Fairusy, and Arkin.
On that occasion, Nasaruddin also served as the main speaker. The Menag stated that profound learning experiences, including from pesantren traditions and tasawuf studies, have shaped his worldview in understanding knowledge and life.