Deputy Minister: Strong Nation Starts with Harmonious Family

Indonesia's Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag) hosted a mass wedding event, Nikah Fest 2026, in Jakarta, providing legal marriage status to 30 couples from various regions. The initiative also aims to foster economic independence by offering business capital assistance.

Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs Romo H.R. Muhammad Syafi'i addressed the prospective newlyweds, emphasizing the importance of viewing marriage as an act of worship dedicated to Allah SWT. He stated that families built on religious values would lead to a good society, forming the bedrock of a strong nation. "A good nation starts from a good small society. A good small society is determined by a good household," he remarked.

The event, organized by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance in collaboration with the Association of Indonesian Marriage Registrars (APRI), provided guidance to 50 prospective couples at Gedung Smesco Indonesia. Romo Syafi'i explained that Islamic teachings align with human nature, and all divine commands, including marriage, fulfill human needs.

"I have understood for more than thirty years that Allah commands us to be Muslim because all of Allah's rules in Islam are in accordance with our needs as humans. Everything Allah commands is our need. We need to eat and drink, there is a command for it. We need a partner, there is also a command for it," he said.