Minister Of Religion: President Asks Me To Remain The Grand Imam Of The Istiqlal Mosque

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar stated that President Prabowo Subianto asked him to remain the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque before being appointed to lead the Ministry of Religion in the Red and White Cabinet.

"I asked what about Istiqlal? 'It's okay, just stay together. So later we will arrange how to remain the minister of religion and the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque'," said Nasaruddin imitating the President's words reported by ANTARA, Monday, December 2.

Nasaruddin made this statement during the commemoration of World Anti-Corruption Day at the Office of the Ministry of Religion, Jakarta.

He said that before being appointed as minister of religion, he never crossed or maneuvered to become a minister. Even Nasaruddin is of the view that he is not the right person to lead the Ministry of Religion.

Many other people Nasaruddin considered more appropriate and competent to lead the Ministry of Religion. At that time, Nasaruddin said to Prabowo that he would help even though he was outside the structure.

"I said, 'We also serve you outside the structure. If you see someone who is more competent than me, please. I am enough to be Imam of Istiqlal'," said Nasaruddin.

After saying that to Prabowo, Nasaruddin was still asked by the President to help him in the structure of the Ministry of Religion.

When finally appointed, the Minister of Religion committed to being straight and carrying out every message that Prabowo conveyed. One of the messages entrusted by the President was cleaning the Ministry of Religion.

"So I and my family have pledged. I thank my wife for refusing gratification," he said.

Therefore, he invited his staff to be upright in the success of the programs contained in President Prabowo Subianto's Astacita and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka.