Ministry of Religious Affairs Explains Minister Nasaruddin Umar's Use of OSO's Private Jet After KPK Seeks Clarification

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has drawn public scrutiny after accepting the use of a private jet belonging to businessman and senior politician Oesman Sapta Odang (OSO) to attend the inauguration of the Balai Sarkiah building in Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi, on Sunday, 15 February 2026.

In a clarification, the Head of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Public Relations and Communications Bureau, Thobib Al Asyhar, said the minister’s attendance at the event in Takalar was at OSO’s invitation, in connection with the inauguration of religious infrastructure in the South Sulawesi region.

“Mr OSO specifically invited the minister and hoped the Balai Sarkiah would be inaugurated by him. Mr OSO took the initiative to arrange a private jet for the minister so he could attend amid his busy schedule,” said Thobib Al Asyhar on Monday, 16 February 2026.

“All modes of transport for the journey were arranged by the organiser,” he added.

Thobib explained that the Balai Sarkiah building, located in Sabintang subdistrict, is projected to become a new epicentre for religious and social activities in South Sulawesi. The building will serve as a centre for community empowerment.

According to Thobib, Minister Nasaruddin Umar continues to serve the community even on holidays. In his address in Takalar, the minister expressed appreciation for the OSO family’s role in community empowerment. The building is expected to contribute to religious education and the economic empowerment of the faithful.

“The minister conveyed that the government greatly values the role of community leaders who independently build religious infrastructure. The Balai Sarkiah is not merely a building, but a symbol of collaboration to strengthen the values of social concern within the community,” said Thobib, explaining the message delivered by the minister in his inauguration address.

The inauguration of the Balai Sarkiah building was attended by OSO and his family, Takalar Regent Mohammad Firdaus Daeng Manye, and members of the South Sulawesi Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda). Approximately 200 local religious and community leaders who had been anticipating the inauguration were also in attendance.

The ceremony began with the signing of an inscription plaque by the Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Serviati Oesman, accompanied by the minister. In addition to the physical inauguration, the event also marked the commencement of the building’s social functions through the handover of a National Zakat Board (Baznas) decree to the Zakat Collection Unit (UPZ) of the KN Foundation.