Indonesian Minister seeks prayers for government programs, highlights food security

Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs Zulkifli Hasan has appealed for prayers and support from the Jamiyah Ahlith Thariqah Al Mutabaroh Ahlussunnah Wal Jamaah (Jatma Aswaja) community to help the government optimize its programs. Speaking at a national safety prayer event at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta, Hasan, widely known as Zulhas, admitted that the government, in its nearly two years of operation, has encountered both successes and areas needing evaluation.

He specifically pointed to food self-sufficiency as a significant achievement, assuring the public of the adequate availability of staple foods like rice, fish, chicken, and eggs. "The government has only been in office for 20 months, almost 2 years. There have been successes, for example, food, thank God we are self-sufficient. So mothers don't need to worry, there is enough rice, enough fish, enough chicken, enough eggs, God willing," he stated.

Despite the ample supply, Zulhas acknowledged the current rise in prices for some food commodities. He assured that the government is actively intervening to bring prices back down through large-scale operations. The minister stressed the importance of prayers from religious scholars for the smooth execution of government tasks, stating, "Please pray that what has not been successful, we will fix, work hard, so that those programs become beneficial for the people."

Amidst global uncertainty, Zulhas called for national unity and togetherness, emphasizing that prayers from religious leaders and pious individuals provide vital spiritual strength for the government's success. Helmy Faishal Zaini, Secretary General of PB Jatma Aswaja, added that the national remembrance and commemoration of the founders of Indonesia are not merely religious rituals but serve as a reminder of every citizen's spiritual and national responsibilities. He stated that loving the homeland must be reflected in actions, and praying for the nation's safety reinforces the idea that Indonesia is a shared home that must be cared for collectively.