UIN Jakarta Commemorates the 79th Anniversary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs with a Solemn Ceremony

Student Center Field, UIN News Online – UIN Jakarta held a ceremony to commemorate the 79th Anniversary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag RI) on Friday (03/01/2025) at the Student Center Field.

The ceremony was attended by members of UIN Jakarta’s academic community, the Directors of Syarif Hidayatullah Hospital and Hajj Hospital Jakarta, as well as the Chairperson and members of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan. The event served as a meaningful tribute to Kemenag RI’s enduring journey in fostering interfaith harmony in Indonesia.

UIN Jakarta’s Rector, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., presided over the ceremony as the Inspector. The program began with the ceremonial raising of the Indonesian flag, conducted by the UIN Jakarta Paskibraka Student Activity Unit (UKM). The atmosphere turned even more solemn when the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Dr. Yunita Failanisa, M.Psi., led the recital of Pancasila, followed by the reading of the 1945 Constitution by the Dean of the Faculty of Dirasat Islamiyah, Dr. Yuli Yasin, M.A.

In his speech, Prof. Asep conveyed a message from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, reflecting on the significance of Hari Amal Bhakti. “The term Hari Amal Bhakti embodies the humility and exceptional dedication of our predecessors in upholding the values of religious harmony. This commemoration reflects the Ministry's unwavering commitment to supporting the Indonesian government,” he remarked.

Prof. Asep highlighted the pivotal role of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Indonesia, a nation founded on the Pancasila ideology. “The Ministry represents a middle ground between the theories of separation and integration of religion and the state. Since January 4, 1946, its mission has been to safeguard and guarantee religious interests,” he explained.

Additionally, Prof. Asep emphasized the Ministry’s responsibility in fostering interfaith harmony. “Bridging psychological and social gaps between religious communities and using religious teachings as a benchmark for success are critical responsibilities of the Ministry,” he said.

In light of the increasingly complex global challenges, Prof. Asep stressed the importance of maintaining harmony and stability in Indonesia’s diverse society. “We must amplify our moral roles in various forums and information channels,” he urged, inviting all participants to contribute actively to national unity, integrity, and the application of religious values in daily life.

The commemoration of the 79th Hari Amal Bhakti was not merely a ceremonial event but an opportunity to reflect on the Ministry’s strategic role in fostering harmony and paving the way for Indonesia’s Golden Era. With the theme “People in Harmony Towards a Golden Indonesia,” the ceremony underscored the aspiration to create a harmonious, just, and progressive nation amidst Indonesia’s rich diversity.

(Alfina Ika Arianti/Fauziah Muslimah/Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Ghifari)