Religious Affairs Minister Urges Global Mosque Youth to Combat Hoaxes and Promote Indonesia as a Peaceful Nation

Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs (Menag), Nasaruddin Umar, has urged the public to be vigilant against the spread of fake news or hoaxes that claim to come from the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag). He made this statement after receiving a courtesy visit from the World Mosque Youth leadership at the VIP room of Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Wednesday, 6 May 2026. The visit was attended by the President of World Mosque Youth, Said Aldi Al Idrus, along with executives including Alwi Ahmad, Bustomi Muktar, Dedi Dermawan, Syakir Daulay, Sapitra Lubis, Liana Piliang, Shanaz Khairus, Nuansa Rambe, M Attarik, Adam Irham, and Ali Kamal Smith. “We urge the World Mosque Youth to inform the ummah to be wary of hoax news about the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” said Nasaruddin Umar. During the meeting, Nasaruddin Umar also prayed for Said Aldi Al Idrus to carry out his new mandate as President of World Mosque Youth effectively. “I have known Said Aldi for a long time as a leader with great responsibility. He also always pays attention to the welfare of Quranic kindergarten and madrasah teachers and encourages mosque youth to safeguard the faith of monotheism to Allah SWT,” Nasaruddin stated. Nasaruddin added that during his leadership of BKPRMI, Said Aldi had twice brought President Prabowo to visit Istiqlal Mosque with mosque youth, the community, and Islamic leaders from across Indonesia. The event was also attended by DMDI President Ali Rustam. Furthermore, Nasaruddin urged the World Mosque Youth to continue campaigning for Indonesia as a peaceful nation that upholds interfaith tolerance. “Followers of different religions must respect one another,” he said. In addition, he expressed full support for the International Musabaqah Tilawatil Quran (MTQ) of World Mosque Youth, to be held at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta from 23 to 25 May 2026. On that occasion, Said Aldi stated that World Mosque Youth remains consistent in helping flood victims in Sumatra and distributing food and drink aid to the people of Palestine. He also appreciated the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ efforts in fostering interfaith harmony. According to him, Indonesian Muslims continue to demonstrate support and solidarity for Palestine.