Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, paid a visit to Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 5).

 

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar received the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Monday (Jan. 5).

The meeting gave a space for dialogue and strengthened solidarity between Indonesia and Palestine, particularly on humanitarian, education, and peace issues, according to the Indonesian Religious Affairs Ministry on its website here on Monday.

During the meeting, the Palestinian Ambassador expressed his condolences for the disasters that befell the people of Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra provinces.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the condolences conveyed by the Palestinian Government.

According to the minister, this empathy reflects the strong bonds of humanity and brotherhood that have existed over time.

"Last month, we also attended a ministerial-level meeting that discussed various humanitarian issues. The Ministry of Religious Affairs continues to strive to play a strategic role, including in education and international solidarity," he said.

The minister explained that Indonesia currently has 58 State Islamic Religious Universities (locally known as its abbreviation PTKIN) spread across various regions in the country.

He said that the President of the Republic of Indonesia is still projecting opportunities to provide scholarships for Palestinian students to study in the country.

"In addition to PTKIN, the government is also considering many other universities in Indonesia as part of its efforts to open wider access to education for Palestinian students," he added.

On the occasion, the minister also told the ambassador about plans to develop international Islamic boarding schools (locally known as pesantren).

We are preparing approximately 25 hectares of land for international Islamic boarding schools. This is part of Indonesia's long-term commitment to strengthening moderate Islamic education and civilization," he noted.

Furthermore, the minister emphasized that Indonesia's support for Palestine continues to be strengthened through humanitarian channels.

He mentioned the role of the National Zakat Agency (known as BAZNAS), which consistently distributes aid to the Palestinian people.

"God willing, Indonesia will never forget Palestine," the Minister of Religious Affairs asserted.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun expressed his hope that Indonesia's support would continue and strengthen.

He assessed that Indonesia holds an important moral and diplomatic position in promoting peace missions for Palestine.

The audience reaffirmed Indonesia's commitment, through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, to continue standing with Palestine, through diplomacy, education, and humanitarian action, as part of its moral responsibility and global solidarity.

Reporting by Indonesia Window