Menag Nasaruddin Umar Invites Faithful to Pray for National Safety Amid Global Crisis

Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar has called upon all Indonesian citizens to offer prayers for the nation's safety, particularly in the face of global uncertainty and economic pressures. The appeal was made during the "Zikir Kebangsaan" (National Dhikr) event held at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta.

Minister Umar emphasized the spiritual strength derived from collective prayer as a defense against global economic challenges. He urged the continuation of the tradition of praying for the nation, a practice observed annually at the mosque. "We must always and consistently pray for the nation's safety. Especially now, we greatly need congregational prayer for our nation's well-being," Umar stated to the assembled worshippers.

He also encouraged gratitude for Indonesia's economic stability, noting that the nation has maintained its footing amidst global economic headwinds. Umar cited figures showing Indonesia's inflation rate at approximately 1-2 percent and economic growth at 5.2 percent. He contrasted these figures with those of several other Muslim-majority countries, whose economic growth rates are lower than Indonesia's.

Umar stressed that these achievements, supported by international data, are cause for significant gratitude and must be preserved through unity and collective effort. He further advised that expressions of gratitude should extend beyond mere words, manifesting in tangible actions that benefit fellow citizens. This principle underpins the development of social services at the Istiqlal Mosque, which Minister Umar is actively promoting as a model for community empowerment.

The Istiqlal Mosque is being developed into a hub that offers more than just religious services. It provides various free programs for the public, including meals for worshippers, temporary lodging, foreign language courses, health services, religious and family counseling, and economic skills training. Meanwhile, the Nahdlatul Ulama Scholars Council (Jatma Aswaja) is actively contributing to food security, having cultivated 10,000 hectares of rice and sugarcane, involving its members and stakeholders across different regions.