NATIONAL COORDINATION MEETING ON STRENGTHENING RELIGIOUS MODERATION OPENED BY MINISTER OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS YAQUT CHOLIL QOUMAS

Jakarta, Wednesday (6/3/2024) Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas officially opened the National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) strengthening religious moderation (MB) in Jakarta. Rakornas aims to develop a well-coordinated strategy and produce a clear synergy of programs and action plans for strengthening MB, with the hope of having a real impact on the lives of the nation and state.

Minister of Religious Affairs Yaqut conveyed the importance of Rakornas MB as a means to realize a developed and dignified Indonesia, as well as building a harmonious, peaceful, and tolerant national life. He emphasized that this rakornas is the first after the issuance of Presidential Regulation Number 58 of 2023, which regulates the implementation of MB by all ministries and institutions (K/L).

Gus Men, Menag Yaqut's nickname, highlighted the importance of managing diversity as God's destiny that must be accepted. Religious and cultural diversity, according to him, is a social capital that can strengthen advanced and harmonious development. However, he also emphasizes that this diversity can be a threat if it is not managed properly, especially in the face of truth claims that arise from different groups.

In this rakornas, the MB formulation is discussed, which presents a moderate religious spirit, focusing on national commitment, tolerance, non-violence, and respect for local traditions. Gus men emphasized that religion and nation must be done complementarily without being opposed.
The strengthening of MB has been officially regulated through Presidential Regulation Number 58 of 2023, and Gus Men invites all government officials to carry out the mandate as a real movement, not just a program. He believes that after this rakornas, there will be strong programs and movements in the community.

Rakornas was attended by high-ranking officials from various ministries and institutions, college rectors, and provincial Kesbangpol envoys. The event opened with an interfaith prayer, led by Bezzaleza Miracle Delryani Sandehang, a student from SMTK Bethel Jakarta.
Rakornas is themed "synergy to strengthen religious moderation for a developed Indonesia and harmony,"  with the hope of making a positive contribution to building a better and more fair Indonesia for all its citizens.