President Prabowo Extends Islamic New Year 1448 H Greetings, Discusses Hajj and Critical Minerals

President Prabowo Subianto has extended his greetings for the Islamic New Year 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah to all Muslims in Indonesia. The message was delivered by a government representative at the President’s residence, Padepokan Garudayaksa, in Hambalang, Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday (17/6/2026).

“Allow us, on behalf of the President and the government, to wish a happy Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijriah, to all celebrating Muslims,” said Prasetyo in Hambalang.

Beyond the religious message, President Prabowo had a packed agenda at his residence that afternoon. One of his main items was receiving a comprehensive report on the implementation of Indonesia’s 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.

The President also summoned several cabinet ministers, including the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Brian Yuliarto. The meeting focused on discussing the progress of human resource (HR) development through various ongoing education and training programmes.

Beyond HR matters, the meeting also addressed updates on strategic cooperation. “There are updates regarding several collaborations related to technology issues and critical minerals or rare earth metals,” Prasetyo added.

Separately, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar invited Muslims to interpret the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijriah as a momentum for personal and social transformation. The Minister stressed that the essence of hijrah is not merely a physical relocation, but a paradigm shift.

“Hijrah is a transformation of the societal system, from a narrow and primordial tribal society towards a global, cosmopolitan community bound by compassion,” the Minister said in Jakarta.

He expressed hope that through the 1 Muharram commemoration, society can shift from an exclusive group mentality towards a more inclusive, civilised life oriented towards the common good for all Indonesian people.