MUI Urges Ulama and Umara to Unite to Face Global Turbulence

The Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Anwar Iskandar, has urged all elements of the nation to strengthen unity and intensify spiritual endeavours amid the evolving dynamics of international geopolitics and geo-economics.

‘I think we understand what our President is doing in pursuing a policy of freedom and active independence in foreign policy. In other words, it will not create enemies with any country or anyone, but rather increase friends and allies around the world,’ Anwar said in a statement in Jakarta on Friday.

In his statement, the MUI chairman said that current international developments show conflicts and tensions across various regions with potential wider impacts.

Therefore, Anwar stressed the importance of vigilance as well as efforts to safeguard the safety of the nation, the state, and the Indonesian people.

‘Moreover, the most important thing for us is how to save our country, our nation, and our people, as well as our Ummah. That is the most essential,’ Anwar said.

Anwar emphasised the importance of strengthening national togetherness and called on all components of the nation, including ulama, government, and the defence and security apparatus, to continue building synergy in maintaining stability and safety of the nation.

Anwar Iskandar was one of the participants in the President’s Silaturahmi with Ulama and leaders of Islamic community organisations at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday (5/3).

On that occasion, Anwar also called on the public to increase prayers and draw closer to the Almighty God, especially during the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

The spiritual endeavour is considered important as an ikhtiar to seek safety for the nation, its leaders, and all Indonesians to avoid calamities occurring in various parts of the world.

‘Moreover, during Ramadan it is crucial that calamities happening everywhere culminating in continued misery do not occur here. It is very important for us all to draw closer to Allah. Pray for the safety of us all, for our leaders, for our people, for our country,’ Anwar said.

Concluding his remarks, the MUI chairman stressed that in facing increasingly complex global challenges, Indonesia has no choice but to join hands, tighten the ranks, and safeguard unity.

With unity and prayer, he hopes Indonesia will continually be granted protection and support from the Almighty God.