Religious Scholars Applaud Prabowo's Steps
Jakarta — A number of Islamic religious leaders have expressed support for President Prabowo Subianto’s measures in running state policy, viewed as aimed at safeguarding sovereignty and national integrity. The stance was conveyed after they attended a gathering with the President and leaders of Islamic organisations at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Thursday, 5 March.
Ahmad Muzani, chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) of the Republic of Indonesia, said religious figures understood the direction of the President’s policies as part of defending the nation’s interests. ‘The President says that what he is doing is for the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, for the integrity of the country, and for the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. The ulama and kiai understand this as the President’s path taken as right and proper,’ he said.
He added that in the meeting Prabowo also sought moral support from religious leaders to maintain national unity amid various challenges. ‘Therefore we are all asked to continue giving support and praying that what the President of the Republic of Indonesia is doing can run well and smoothly,’ he added.
Support also came from Mohammad Hasib Wahab Hasbullah, the head of the Bahrul Ulum Tambakberas Islamic Boarding School in Jombang. He said that several government economic programmes show efforts to promote people’s welfare. ‘In essence I support and appreciate the economic programmes, and I hope that in the not-too-distant future our people will become increasingly prosperous,’ he stated.
Meanwhile, Marsudi Syuhud, the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), assessed that the government is also working to address global dynamics that are increasingly complex, including international conflicts with broad impacts. ‘Indonesia will continue to strive to end wars and achieve peace. Therefore, he will exert every effort to, firstly, protect our own nation, and secondly, contribute to creating a peaceful world,’ he said.
According to Marsudi, ulama will continue to support the government’s steps seen as important for the nation’s interests. ‘We kiai and religious leaders are enthusiastic to welcome him and support him to strive as hard as possible, both for the advancement of Indonesia and for world peace,’ he explained.
Chairman of Wahdah Islamiyah Muhammad Zaitun Rasmin also touched on Prabowo’s commitment to promoting peace, including the Palestinian issue. He said the stance resonates with many religious figures present at the meeting. ‘One spirit that moves us is that his words are for the good of the umat (people), the nation, and also for Muslims around the world, especially in Palestine and other regions. However small the opportunity, his words “I am challenged to strive”—that moved us, and we all share the same spirit,’ he concluded.
Indonesian religious figures Jimly Asshiddiqie and Gus Yahya highlighted the Iran-Israel-US conflict. Indonesia is urged to actively use diplomatic channels to halt the war.
Prabowo Subianto hosted an iftar with Islamic organisations and leaders of pesantren at the Istana today, 5 March.
President Prabowo invited ulama, leaders of Islamic organisations, and pesantren figures for an iftar at the Istana in Jakarta on Thursday (5 March).
Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the briefing to the President covered energy supply conditions and prices of essential goods.
Foreign Minister Sugiono delivered the President’s official condolences on the death of Ali Khamenei to the Iranian ambassador.