Indonesian minister says inclusive leadership brings benefits

An inclusive leadership model can bring benefits, said the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, when receiving leaders and members of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development.

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, mentioned the importance of an inclusive leadership model that can bring benefits.

Nasaruddin Umar made remarks when receiving leaders and members of the International Partnership on Religion and Sustainable Development (PaRD) at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Tuesday (Feb. 4).

In the meeting, the minister who is also the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, talked about the conditions of harmony and the values ​​of religious moderation that are developing well in Indonesia, according to the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs in a written statement quoted by Indonesia Window on Wednesday.

“In the history of human civilization, inclusive leadership has been proven to bring benefits to humanity. Islam itself has provided a relevant example in this regard,” he explained.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), according to the Minister, is an example of an inclusive leader who upholds the values ​​of justice, compassion, and siding with vulnerable groups (mustadh’afin).

“Leadership that does not only rely on authority, but also on uswah hasanah—an exemplary behavior that brings benefits and maslahat to all,” he said.

According to him, inclusive leadership seeks to ensure that every individual, regardless of religious background, ethnicity, or social status, has the same rights and access to public services.

In the context of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs, this concept is implemented through various policies that ensure inclusive religious services for all.

“The Religious Moderation Strengthening Program, for example, aims to build a religious attitude that respects differences, rejects extremism, and at the same time strengthens religious harmony,” the minister noted.

Another example, he continued, is the program to facilitate worship services for vulnerable groups. For example, providing better access to places of worship for people with disabilities.

This is part of the efforts of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs to create a more inclusive system and this has been implemented at the Istiqlal Mosque.

“We also continue to strengthen cooperation with religious organizations to ensure that diversity in religious practices can run harmoniously within the framework of the nation,” he added.

In Islamic teachings, there is a principle called maslahah mursalah. This policy ensures that all religious services can be accessed fairly and equally, he pointed out.

Reporting by Indonesia Window