Indonesian Ulema Council to discuss corruptor punishment, LGBTQ+ issues at upcoming congress

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) is set to convene its 8th Congress of Indonesian Muslims (KUII VIII) for three days starting July 26. The congress, to be held at the Bidakara Hotel in Jakarta, aims to bring together 87 Islamic organizations under the MUI's umbrella to formulate ideas for national development. President Prabowo Subianto is slated to officially open the event on July 24 at approximately 4 p.m., followed by plenary sessions.

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This event will be opened by the President, on July 24 around 4 p.m. After that, it will be followed by plenary sessions.

A key agenda item for the congress is the discussion of potential punishments for corruptors, including the controversial death penalty proposal that has garnered public attention. Additionally, the congress will address the issue of mining sector management and the phenomenon of Lesbian, Gay, Biseksual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) individuals. MUI Vice Chairman KH Marsudi Syuhud highlighted that the congress is intended not only as a consolidation event for Islamic organizations but also as a platform for open dialogue between the community and the government.

To facilitate this dialogue, MUI has invited government officials, including ministers and representatives from various state institutions. These officials will explain current and planned government policies to the leaders of Islamic organizations. Marsudi, who also chairs the Steering Committee for KUII VIII, mentioned that MUI has prepared draft regulations based on recommendations that will be discussed during the congress.

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On the principle, building the nation cannot be done alone, not just by the government or even just the nation's people.

Regarding the mining sector, a minister responsible for mining affairs will present the government's perspective. Islamic organizations will then have the opportunity to voice their stances, which could range from requests to rejections. The congress is expected to reveal these diverse opinions from the 87 participating organizations. Furthermore, MUI is developing a draft academic paper to serve as a basis for regulations concerning deviant sexual behavior, specifically addressing the LGBTQ+ issue.

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Regarding mining, everything is there. The Minister of Mining will be asked to provide his views. It is possible that some organizations will still ask, some organizations may refuse. We will find out tomorrow. With so many, 87 organizations, we will see on the ground tomorrow together.