From Minister, Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque to Chancellor, Nasaruddin Umar: I Am Nothing Compared to the Prophet

JAKARTA - Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar responded to the three positions he currently holds. In addition to his ministerial position, Nasaruddin remains the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque and currently serves as Rector of PTIQ University Jakarta.

According to Nasaruddin, the three positions he currently holds are not as significant as the duties of the prophets of the past. Nasaruddin made this statement after the inauguration of PTIQ University Jakarta in Rorotan, North Jakarta.

"I am nothing compared to the prophets. The prophet as a prophet, the prophet as an apostle, the prophet as head of state, the prophet as commander of the armed forces, the prophet as husband, the prophet as grandfather, and the prophet as an ordinary member of society," Nasaruddin told reporters on Tuesday, September 23.

According to Nasaruddin, his current work is not based on his many positions, but rather on his ability to benefit the people.

"Mr. Habibie held 33 positions, you know. I only held four, and that's not all. So, a good leader doesn't do everything, but rather employs many people," he said.

With the construction of the campus in North Jakarta, Nasaruddin hopes that local residents will be able to enjoy a better education, especially in Islamic studies.

"As the rector, thank God, I hope an enlightening university will emerge in North Jakarta. So, not all universities are located in the south. Our people need a good education system in North Jakarta as well," he explained.

Continuing, Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung asked the Jakarta Provincial Government to provide full support, especially in the permitting process and other administrative documents.

"I ask the Mayor to please oversee the permitting process so that construction can be expedited. I hope that one day, during my tenure, when this university is completed, I can interact with the students here. So, Mr. Village Head, Mr. Sub-district Head, don't let anyone mess around and disrupt it," Pramono emphasized.

Pramono told his staff that he didn't want this Islamic university to be mired in problems in the next few decades due to inadequate licensing support.

"So, legally and administratively, let's ensure that this university truly becomes a well-planned university. I will step in to help with that," Pramono stated.