Indonesian Ulema Council: Marriage Drives Foreigners to Convert to Islam in Karawang

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in Karawang has observed a significant number of foreign nationals converting to Islam, with marriage being the primary motivation. Ustaz Yayan Sopyan, the First Secretary of MUI Karawang, stated that over the past three years, many foreigners and locals have sought to convert at the MUI office. He personally guides these individuals through the declaration of faith.

“

Two years ago, approximately 40 people converted to Islam, with nearly 40 percent being foreign nationals from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and even Finland and Germany last year.

"In the last two years, approximately 40 people converted to Islam, with nearly 40 percent being foreign nationals from China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and even Finland and Germany last year," Sopyan said. He explained that most foreign converts work in industrial areas and decide to embrace Islam to marry local Karawang residents, as religious compatibility is often a requirement.

“

Why go to the MUI office? Because the Ministry of Religious Affairs and KUA (Office of Religious Affairs) delegate to MUI for the declaration of faith, including Disdukcapil (Civil Registration and Population Management Office).

MUI Karawang welcomes these conversions, viewing them as divine guidance arriving through various means, including marriage, the call to prayer, and the conduct of Muslims. The council has streamlined the process for foreign nationals, requiring forms, stamp duty, passports, and visas. Converts also receive a certificate after undergoing and passing a medical examination for circumcision.

“

We at MUI are happy and delighted. Divine guidance from Allah SWT can be obtained in any way and anywhere, including through marriage.

To prevent exploitation, MUI Karawang has collaborated with the Immigration office to ensure that marriages between foreigners and locals do not involve human trafficking under the guise of religious conversion. So far, no such incidents have been reported. The council notes a growing number of male converts and hopes their conversions are genuine divine guidance, while acknowledging the need for continued vigilance, as noted by MUI Karawang Chairman KH Tajudin, who expressed concern about potential "mutah marriages" (temporary marriages).

“

We are happy and delighted. Divine guidance from Allah is obtained in any way, anywhere. Guidance through marriage, the call to prayer, and the morals of Muslims in their respective countries.