UIN Jakarta Leads Interfaith Prayer to Promote Peace and Religious Moderation

Harun Nasution Auditorium, UIN Online News — UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (Kemenag RI), convened an interfaith prayer session led by teachers of various faiths as part of a national initiative to address recent social tensions in the country. The prayer was held prior to the commencement of the Third Batch of the Teacher Education Program (PPG) Program at the Harun Nasution Auditorium on Wednesday (September 3, 2025).

The session began with an opening prayer led by Dr. KH. Akhmad Sodiq, M.Ag., followed by prayers from teachers representing five major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism. The interfaith prayer also served as a manifestation of religious moderation in practice.

“Grant us the ability to be teachers who instill knowledge, wisdom, and noble character in the younger generation. O Allah, protect our beloved Indonesia, and spread peace, tranquility, and safety across this nation,” read an excerpt from the collective prayer.

In his remarks, UIN Jakarta Rector, Prof. Asep Saepudin Jahar, M.A., Ph.D., expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders who made the opening of the Third Batch of the PPG Program possible. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and public order in light of recent national challenges.

“We must channel all aspirations in a peaceful manner, in accordance with the proper mechanisms and regulations, so that peace and harmony are preserved,” he said.

The event was officially opened by Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., who also delivered a keynote address. In his remarks, he underscored that teaching is both a noble and lawful profession, bringing not only educational impact but also blessings and virtuous sustenance in both this world and the hereafter.

“There are twelve fundamental requirements to become a teacher—stricter, in fact, than becoming a student. Teachers must not impose rigid discipline on students without first upholding discipline themselves,” he advised.

(Meisa Aqilah N.H./Fauziah M./Zaenal M./Muhamad Arifin Ilham/Photo: Muhammad Yahya)