MUI to Hold Islamic Congress, Discuss Corruption Penalties and LGBTQ Regulation

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) will hold the VIII Indonesian Islamic Congress (KUII) over three days starting this weekend, bringing together 87 Islamic organisations under its umbrella to formulate ideas for national development. The congress, which will be opened by President Prabowo Subianto, is scheduled to take place at Hotel Bidakara, Jakarta, beginning on 24 July.

MUI Deputy Chairman Marsudi Syuhud stated that the event is not only a consolidation forum for Islamic organisations but also an open dialogue space between the ummah and the government. He noted that ministers and state institution representatives have been invited to explain their policies to the leaders of the Islamic organisations.

Key agenda items include discussions on the death penalty for corruptors, which has drawn public attention, and the management of the mining sector. The Minister of Mining will be asked to present the government’s views, while the 87 Islamic organisations will have the opportunity to express their respective stances, whether in support or opposition.

Additionally, MUI has prepared an academic draft as a regulatory foundation concerning what it terms sexual deviance, specifically the LGBTQ phenomenon. MUI Head of Legal Affairs, Dr Wahiduddin Adams, said the draft responds to public aspirations for legal regulation on the matter, emphasising that legislation should be formed based on the legal needs of society.