MESSAGE FROM GUS YAQUT CHOLIL QOUMAS, MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS, AT THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER IN KUPANG, NTT

Representing the Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Gus Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Jeane Marie Tulung, Director General of Christian Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, attended the National Day of Prayer event titled "SYAFAAT BAGI BANGSA" at the NTT Regional Police field in Kupang on Friday, July 5, 2024. Thousands of congregants and various important figures attended this festive event.

The Forum of Indonesian Christian Communities (FUKRI) is comprised of the Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI), the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches and Institutions in Indonesia (PGLII), the Indonesian Pentecostal Churches Fellowship (PGPI), the Indonesian Baptist Fellowship (PBI), the Seventh-day Adventist Church (GMAHK), the Salvation Army (BK), and the Indonesian Orthodox Church (GOI).

This event was attended by thousands, including the Acting Governor of NTT, Mr. Ayodhia G.L Kalake, the NTT Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Daniel Silitonga, who also served as the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, the Head of the NTT Provincial Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, a member of the Regional Representative Council, Mr. Abraham Paul Liyanto, regents and mayors, members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (forkopimda), religious leaders, traditional leaders, and church leaders.

This is the third National Day of Prayer held in Kupang. Prior to the main event, several seminars were held at the Harper Hotel in Kupang. Previously, similar events were held in Medan, North Sumatra in 2023, and in Sentani, Papua in 2022.

Minister of Religious Affairs Gus Yaqut Cholil Qoumas emphasized the importance of maintaining national unity and cohesion amidst diversity. He also praised FUKRI's efforts in fostering a sense of brotherhood through prayer and spiritual activities.

It is hoped that this event will have a positive impact on all Indonesians, as it serves as an important moment for Indonesian Christians to unite and seek blessings and protection for the nation.