Muhaimin: Ulama play vital role in building national character and spirituality

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar has stated that the role of ulama, habaib, and religious figures remains an important part of national development, particularly in building the character and spirituality of Indonesian society. “Nation-building does not rely solely on physical and economic development, but also on building the character, mentality, and spiritual values of society. Therefore, the role of ulama, habaib, and religious figures remains an important part of Indonesia’s development journey,” said Minister Muhaimin Iskandar in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday. He made the remarks while attending the 2026 Haul Ulama and Habaib Betawi event organised by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government. “Haul is a tradition to trace, emulate, and continue the struggles of the ulama, who, before independence, built character, mentality, morals, and of course human resources, so that they remain resilient to this day. They all began building long before independence, eventually giving birth to this nation thanks to the services of the ulama and habaib,” said Minister Muhaimin Iskandar. The Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment assessed that the event served as a momentum to strengthen Jakarta’s identity as a global city that remains firmly rooted in cultural values and tradition. He also appreciated the commitment of the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government in preserving and promoting Betawi culture as the city’s identity. According to him, the preservation of local culture is an important part of human development and community empowerment.