Religious Affairs Minister States Halalbihalal is Not Merely a Tradition, but a Bond of Brotherhood

Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar stated that the halalbihalal tradition is not merely a routine following Eid al-Fitr. However, Nasaruddin said that halalbihalal holds deep meaning as a space for strengthening brotherhood. This was conveyed by Nasaruddin in his speech at the national silaturahmi and halalbihalal event organised by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), held at the Sultan Hotel in Jakarta on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Nasaruddin emphasised the importance of using this momentum as a means to realign relationships that may have become strained. “In our tradition, halalbihalal is certainly not just a habit after Eid al-Fitr. It is also a space to realign relationships and to purify what may have been stored in the heart,” said Nasaruddin. At this halalbihalal moment, he said, human relationships are well-established. This moment, according to him, nurtures brotherhood. “This is our way of nurturing relationships with sincerity and humility. Here, brotherhood will grow. Not only Islamic brotherhood, but also national brotherhood, and even brotherhood among creatures, as fellow creations, including the universe, plants, animals, and other natural elements,” he continued. According to him, harmony between humans and the environment is an important part of religious life. He also touched on the concept of eco-theology. “Silaturahim among fellow creatures also needs to be enhanced in its appreciation because there can be no successful caliphate of the environment, and it is impossible for us to be great worshippers without the support of a conducive universe,” he explained. Nasaruddin also appreciated the MUI and various Islamic community organisations (ormas) which he deemed consistent in their role in maintaining social stability and providing direction for society. “From the era of the independence struggle, the development period, to today, Islamic ormas and ulama have always been present. Present to calm society, and also present to provide direction,” he stated. Furthermore, Nasaruddin said that the government views MUI and Islamic ormas as irreplaceable strategic partners. Especially, according to him, amid current global dynamics, information disruptions, and geopolitical challenges. “Amid global dynamics, information disruptions, and geopolitical challenges, the role becomes very important. The Ulema Council is present as a guide, as a guardian of balance, and as a calming reference amid various differences,” he said. “The government views the Indonesian Ulema Council and other Islamic ormas as irreplaceable strategic partners. Therefore, our hope for the future is simple yet fundamental, namely that ormas continue to be the bond of the ummah, continue to be a cooling presence amid differences, and continue to be a moral force in national life,” he added.