President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, recently attended the significant Inauguration and Ta’aruf (introduction) ceremony for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Board for the 2025–2030 period. The prestigious event was held at the magnificent Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta on Saturday, February 7, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for national religious leadership.
This grand occasion, thoughtfully themed “United in Prayer for the Nation’s Safety,” drew thousands of congregants, revered religious figures, and prominent national leaders. Across his various addresses during the event, President Prabowo highlighted the crucial importance of unity between religious scholars (ulama) and government leaders (umara), underscored MUI’s indispensable role in upholding social stability, and addressed key national initiatives such as the development of Islamic institutional buildings at Bundaran HI. He also issued a heartfelt call for collective action to eradicate poverty.
Here’s an in-depth look at the key points from his impactful speeches:
Prabowo Attends MUI Board Inauguration at Istiqlal Mosque
President Prabowo Subianto’s arrival at the Istiqlal Mosque for the inauguration and Ta’aruf of the MUI Board for the 2025–2030 period was a highly anticipated moment. The ceremony, which took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, gathered a vast assembly including MUI officials, esteemed ulama, national dignitaries, and tens of thousands of devout congregants.
Upon his arrival, President Subianto was formally welcomed by a delegation of cabinet officials, notably the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Chairman of MUI, signifying the close partnership between religious and governmental bodies.
According to information published on the official MUI website, the overarching theme for this significant gathering and the inauguration of the new MUI leadership was ‘United in Prayer for the Nation’s Safety,’ reinforcing the collective aspiration for national well-being and security.
Prabowo Provides Land at Bundaran HI for MUI and Other Islamic Institutions
In a significant announcement, President Prabowo declared that the government has allocated prime land in the vicinity of Jakarta’s iconic Bundaran Hotel Indonesia (HI). This approximately 4,000-square-meter plot is designated for the construction of modern office buildings, intended for use by the MUI and a range of other vital Islamic bodies across the nation.
“Today I am pleased to announce that, as President of the Republic of Indonesia, I have provided land in front of Bundaran HI, approximately 4,000 square meters, for a building. This facility will serve MUI and other Islamic bodies, such as the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) and various other Islamic organizations that require office space; we will construct this building,” President Prabowo affirmed.
The President further disclosed that the specifics of the building’s construction, including its potential height, which is anticipated to reach dozens of floors, would be determined and overseen by the Minister of Religious Affairs. He noted that this initiative was spurred by a direct request made several months prior by Professor Dr. Nasaruddin, the esteemed Grand Imam of Istiqlal, who also concurrently serves as the Minister of Religious Affairs. Professor Nasaruddin had expressed concerns over the current lack of a clearly defined central office for MUI.
Prabowo Emphasizes Unity & Quotes Surah Ar-Ra’d Verse 11
In his address, President Prabowo powerfully reiterated the profound importance of unity between ulama (religious scholars) and umara (government leaders) as an unshakeable foundation for the nation’s safety and progress. He drew inspiration from the Holy Quran, quoting Surah Ar-Ra’d verse 11: “Allah SWT will not change the fate of a people unless they change their own condition.”
He passionately called upon all segments of society to transcend suspicion, set aside past differences, and relinquish animosity, thereby fostering a stronger and more cohesive national spirit. “This theme is exceedingly apt; it directly addresses the challenges we confront. The nation’s safety can only be realized through unity. Let us eradicate suspicion among us, let us discard historical disagreements, and let us banish hatred,” Prabowo urged, underscoring the critical need for a harmonious society.
Prabowo Expresses Gratitude to MUI for Courage in Presidential Duties
President Prabowo extended a heartfelt and specific expression of gratitude to the MUI, acknowledging their invaluable moral support. He credited this backing with instilling in him the courage necessary to fulfill his demanding duties as the President of Indonesia, a role entrusted to him by the people.
“Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), today I am immensely proud to be the President of the Republic of Indonesia. Today, I feel deeply encouraged and resolute,” Prabowo conveyed, visibly moved. He continued, “Today, my sincere thanks go to the Indonesian Ulema Council. Thank you for the invaluable gift you have bestowed upon me: the courage to execute my responsibilities as President of the Republic of Indonesia, the mandate holder of the Indonesian people, who was appointed, elected, and sworn to diligently defend the interests of all Indonesian citizens. Thank you.”
Prabowo also highlighted MUI’s consistent and unwavering presence during times of national adversity, stating, “MUI has never been absent whenever the nation faced difficulties. Just recently, we witnessed MUI’s swift response from the very first days of disasters impacting several regions, including Aceh, West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and various other provinces. MUI has consistently stood by the nation during its most challenging moments.” He concluded by expressing his earnest hope that the newly elected MUI board would steadfastly continue its dedicated service to the ummah (Muslim community) and the entirety of the Indonesian nation.
Prabowo: We Must Have the Courage to Eliminate Poverty from Indonesian Soil
In a compelling segment of his speech, President Prabowo passionately urged all stakeholders to unite in a resolute commitment to eradicate poverty across Indonesia. He presented this monumental task as an indispensable component of fostering inclusive national development and ensuring prosperity for all citizens.
Acknowledging the current socio-economic landscape, he stated, “Our nation undeniably faces ongoing challenges. We must collectively possess the courage and unwavering determination to permanently eliminate poverty from the very soil of Indonesia.”
President Prabowo emphatically underscored that unwavering courage and collective effort are the foundational keys to confronting and overcoming this formidable societal challenge. “We must never succumb to fear, we must not be intimidated, and we must never underestimate ourselves. With bravery and solidarity, together, we will undoubtedly succeed in eradicating poverty from the Indonesian soil,” he asserted with profound conviction, inspiring a sense of shared responsibility.
Prabowo: If Ulama and Umara Unite, God Willing, We Will Become a Prosperous Nation
President Prabowo firmly articulated that the harmonious unity between ulama (those endowed with profound religious knowledge) and umara (the governmental leadership) constitutes the fundamental bedrock for the advancement and enduring prosperity of the Indonesian nation. He underscored this crucial synergy as vital for national progress.
“Today symbolizes the profound unity between ulama and umara. If these two pillars—the ulama and the umara—unite, God willing, our nation will evolve into a truly great and prosperous nation,” Prabowo declared, emphasizing the transformative power of this collaboration.
Drawing insights from historical precedents, President Prabowo noted that the sustainable progress of any nation is inextricably linked to the presence of peace. He highlighted that it is precisely the combined influence and moral authority of the ulama and the executive power of the umara that are uniquely capable of cultivating and maintaining such peace. “Throughout the annals of human civilization, the prerequisite for a successful and prosperous nation has always been peace. And peace, in turn, can only be achieved through the harmonious unity of the ulama with the umara,” he elaborated, reinforcing the timeless wisdom of this principle.
Prabowo’s Message to the New MUI Board: Continue Serving the Ummah and the Nation
President Prabowo imparted a significant and forward-looking message to the newly appointed MUI board for the 2025–2030 period, urging them to maintain their unwavering dedication and service to the ummah (Muslim community) and the broader Indonesian nation.
“May the newly elected Indonesian Ulema Council steadfastly continue its service to the ummah and to the entire Indonesian nation,” President Prabowo conveyed, expressing his profound hope for their ongoing commitment.
He reiterated his deep appreciation for MUI’s crucial and consistent role in preserving public tranquility and fostering an environment of tolerance across society. “MUI has consistently been present and active whenever the nation has faced any form of difficulty,” Prabowo remarked, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to national stability and cohesion.
Prabowo Addresses “Corruptors’ Counter-Attack” in Law Enforcement Context
President Prabowo also candidly addressed the persistent challenges inherent in the fight against corruption, asserting that entrenched corrupt groups frequently launch aggressive “counter-attacks” against governmental initiatives aimed at fostering clean and transparent governance. He described this resistance as a significant obstacle to national progress.
“We are duty-bound to protect this Republic; we must vigilantly safeguard our national wealth. We must summon the courage to eradicate corruption entirely from the soil of Indonesia. This is no facile undertaking. Every instance where we endeavor to eradicate it, every attempt to enforce punishment, to uphold justice, to implement the law, invariably sees these corrupt groups—these bands of robbers, these plunderers—launching a fierce counter-assault,” he declared, highlighting the complex nature of this battle.
According to the President, these illicit groups actively seek to engineer unrest and sow discord among the populace, with the explicit aim of disrupting the critical agenda of law enforcement and undermining governmental integrity. “They perpetually desire to foment chaos, always seeking to sow division among us. Why? Because they simply do not wish for a clean and upright government to exist within the Republic of Indonesia,” he added, exposing the motives behind such tactics.
However, President Prabowo concluded with an unyielding pledge to the nation: “But I have taken an oath before the people; I have been sworn to uphold the law, to meticulously uphold our Constitution, and to rigorously enforce all prevailing legislation. Therefore, I declare unequivocally that I will not hesitate, and I will not retreat a single step in this crucial endeavor.”
Summary
President Prabowo Subianto attended the Inauguration and Ta’aruf ceremony for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Board for the 2025–2030 period at Istiqlal Mosque on February 7, 2026, themed “United in Prayer for the Nation’s Safety.” He announced the allocation of approximately 4,000 square meters of prime land near Bundaran HI for new office buildings for MUI and other Islamic institutions. Prabowo emphasized the crucial importance of unity between religious scholars (ulama) and government leaders (umara) as a foundation for national safety and progress.
The President also expressed gratitude to MUI for their consistent support and presence during national difficulties. He passionately called for collective action to eradicate poverty from Indonesia, stressing courage and solidarity in this effort. Furthermore, Prabowo vowed to relentlessly combat corruption, acknowledging the aggressive “counter-attacks” from corrupt groups and pledging not to retreat from upholding law and maintaining a clean government.