Indonesian President Embraces Religious Ormas, but Must Be Equal

JAKARTA - President Prabowo Subianto promises state land measuring 4,000 square meters to build a building for the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and an Islamic community organization with 40 floors.

"I as the President of the Republic of Indonesia have provided land in front of the Hotel Indonesia Roundabout of approximately 4,000 meters for a building for the MUI and Islamic bodies, such as the National Zakat Agency and other institutions, including Islamic organizations that need space," said President Prabowo during the Inauguration and Ta'aruf of the MUI 2025-2030 Board of Trustees at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Saturday (7/2/2025).

The building will be built from scratch on the former British Embassy land on Jalan MH Thamrin, Central Jakarta, as stated by the Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi.

He explained that the building would only use the former Kedubes land. However, Prasetyo did not say whether the old building, which is a cultural heritage, would be demolished or not.

The building that will be built will not only be a center for MUI and other Islamic religious institutions, but will also provide a place for more effective management of the funds of the people. The construction of this building is expected to support the optimal management of the funds of the people, providing great benefits for Muslims in Indonesia.

President Prabowo's plan to build a new building for the MUI and Islamic organizations has aroused public suspicion. The reason is that this attitude emerged shortly after the MUI decided to support Prabowo's decision to bring Indonesia to join the Board of Peace or Peace Council.

Previously, MUI asked the Indonesian government to withdraw from the Board of Peace because the organization formed by US President Donald Trump was not in favor of the Palestinians.

The public also suspected that there was a connection between the discourse on the construction of the building and the change in the attitude of the MUI regarding President Prabowo's decision to join the Peace Council.

However, MUI categorically denied the conclusion. MUI Chairman KH Cholil Nafis emphasized that the discussion with Prabowo was purely a national dialogue. Meanwhile, Prabowo explained his views on the importance of Indonesia's involvement in the Board of Peace, MUI conveyed a critical attitude.

"I emphasize that the issue of the Board of Peace has nothing to do with this office," said Cholil.

However, for the MUI, Prabowo's generosity with the plan to build a building deserves appreciation. Cholil assessed that this is part of the state's obligation to facilitate the components of the nation that are inseparable from Indonesia.

Moreover, the office will not only be filled by the MUI, but also a shared facility for institutions of funds for the ummah, such as BAZNAS, waqf bodies, institutions that manage religious social funds, and possibly other Islamic organizations.

Apart from that, the story of Indonesian presidents embracing religious organizations is not new. Previously, the seventh President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) also gave special mining business permits to business entities owned by religious organizations through Government Regulation (PP) Number 25 of 2024 concerning Amendment to PP No. 96/2021 concerning the Implementation of Mineral and Coal Mining Business Activities (Minerba).

Jokowi said the government's decision to issue the regulation was after receiving complaints from the public when they came to pesantren and talked in mosques. The granting of mining business permits for religious organizations, according to Jokowi, is also carried out to realize equality and economic justice.

The attitude of Indonesian presidents who embrace religious organizations is said to be part of efforts to maintain stability. Political observer and Executive Director of Indonesia Political Opinion (IPO) Dedi Kurnia Syah said, in fact, there is no need for a dichotomy about the relationship between the president and the community group.

Because basically, the state's concern for religious entities has been regulated fairly, including regarding state financial support for civil organizations through grants. However, what will be a problem if the organizations receive unequal treatment, will be a problem.

"Because the president actually does not need a special relationship, the president belongs to all people," said Dedi.

"Although, indeed, the president needs a good reputation and image in the eyes of the people, so that sometimes the relationship with the knots of the organization is considered politically important, even though it does not have an impact on public welfare which should be a priority," he continued.

Not much different, political observer from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN), Adi Prayitno, assessed the construction of this facility is more than just a physical building, but also a symbol of a cooperative relationship between the government and mass organizations, not antagonistic.

Even so, a positive relationship with the government must not erode the critical attitude of Islamic organizations. In the long run, policies of this kind have the potential to soften the critical attitude of organizations.

According to Adi, although the government showed appreciation, Islamic organizations must remain independent, guarding the interests of the people, and not remain silent in the face of policies that harm the people.