Opening Munas X, Minister Gus Irfan Discusses Synergy, Indonesia's Resilience, and Hajj Preparations

Minister of Hajj and Umrah KH Mochamad Irfan Yusuf has invited the Indonesian Islamic Dawah Institute to serve as a bridge between government policies and society. He stressed that building Indonesia is a collective effort. “The government cannot operate alone. No single party can go it alone. When we work together, not only will we be strong, but we will also be respected by the world,” he said during the opening of the 10th National Congress of the Indonesian Islamic Dawah Institute at the Minhajurosyidin Islamic Boarding School in East Jakarta on Tuesday (7/4/2026). Further, he assessed that the theme of this 10th National Congress aligns with the vision and mission of President Prabowo. “The President has emphasised that Indonesia must achieve self-sufficiency in food, water, and energy. Whatever happens in the outside world, if we are self-sufficient in food, water, and energy, we will not be affected,” he stated. He revealed that the world is currently facing global uncertainty. Therefore, the theme of the 10th National Congress of the Indonesian Islamic Dawah Institute is highly relevant. This is considering the current global geopolitical conditions, which disrupt energy and food supply chains, as well as national trade stability. Regarding the implementation of Hajj affected by the Iran-Israel-US war, he said his side continues to communicate with the Saudi Arabian Government to ensure Hajj proceeds smoothly. “And up to now, everything is still on the predetermined schedule,” he explained. Gus Irfan revealed that the impact of the war has led to additional costs. For example, air tickets, with additional costs potentially reaching Rp10 million per pilgrim. Given this situation, he said President Prabowo has instructed that, whatever happens, the primary consideration for proceeding or not is the security and safety of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims. “Secondly, if there is an increase in financing, do not burden the Hajj pilgrims with it. We are also holding a limited coordination meeting with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and are calculating. How to mechanism the financing if there is a price change,” concluded Gus Irfan. Furthermore, he stated that the Middle East situation provides a lesson that building the nation cannot be done by one party alone. “National resilience will be solid if built by all elements of the nation. From the government, community organisations, the business world, and society itself,” he said. In his view, Indonesia has high diversity, and all of that requires a binding agent. “Namely, national values, religious moderation, and societal character. Without that, the Indonesian nation will easily be divided and will not become a resilient nation,” he explained.