Religious Affairs Minister Opens Mathla'ul Anwar's XXI Congress, Entrusts Message on the Future of the Ummah
The congress was held at Plaza Aspirasi KP3B, Serang City, Banten, on Saturday (11/4/2026). Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin stressed the importance of the role of religious organisations in preparing the future of the ummah. According to him, ummah development requires collaboration with religious community organisations.
“Preparing the future ummah is not something that can be done by the state alone, but must be through cooperation,” said Nasaruddin in his statement on Monday (13/4/2026).
Attendees at the opening included Banten Governor Andra Soni, Banten Deputy Governor Dimyati Natakusumah, elements of the TNI and Police, national figures, and Mathla’ul Anwar leaders from across Indonesia.
Andra Soni stated that Mathla’ul Anwar is an important part of the history and development of the ummah’s civilisation in Indonesia. He noted that the organisation has contributed since before independence, particularly in developing madrasah-based Islamic education.
“Mathla’ul Anwar is not just an organisation, but a legacy of scholars and a pillar of the ummah’s civilisation that continues to live and develop,” he said.
The General Chairman of the Mathla’ul Anwar Central Board, Embay Mulya Syarief, emphasised that the XXI Congress is an important moment in the organisation’s history. This year’s congress carries the theme ‘Building the Ummah’s Civilisation Towards National Independence’.
“This congress is not just a routine agenda, but a strategic momentum to strengthen the organisation’s direction in addressing the challenges of the times,” he said.
The Chairman of the XXI Mathla’ul Anwar Congress Organising Committee, Asep Rohmatulloh, confirmed that all series of activities have been prepared. He assured that the congress implementation will proceed in a safe and conducive atmosphere, with support from various parties, including the local government, security apparatus, and all elements of the organisation.
“All stages of the Congress are arranged systematically, from administrative aspects, technical implementation, to the deliberation agenda, to ensure it runs orderly, effectively, and of high quality,” he said.
This year’s congress becomes a national consolidation space for all cadres to strengthen the direction of the organisation’s movement amid global dynamics, institutional strengthening, and cadre development. In the future, Mathla’ul Anwar is expected to strengthen its role as an organisation.
“This congress is expected not only to produce new leadership, but also to give birth to policy directions that can address the challenges of the times and strengthen the ummah’s role in building the nation,” he concluded.