JAKARTA - Minister of Culture Fadli Zon considers the thoughts and examples of Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif to be still relevant to answer various national challenges today, especially those related to history, culture, and human values.
This was conveyed by Fadli at the Cultural Night with the theme of "Keeping the Light, Caring for the Nation's Conscience" at the National Museum of Indonesia, Jakarta, Thursday (18/6). The activity is part of the series of Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif Month (BB-ASM) 2026 held by MAARIF Institute.
According to Fadli, Buya Syafii left a legacy of thought that places morality, culture, and humanity as an important foundation in nation-building.
"Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif is a simple figure, with a straight thinking and harmony between words and deeds," said Fadli.
He said that Buya Syafii's example was not only seen in the world of science, but also in the attitude of life that upholds human values. Therefore, his thinking is considered to be relevant across generations.
Fadli also recalled his closeness to Buya Syafii when the late was still active at the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership. According to him, Buya is a figure who has great attention to the history of the nation and the preservation of Indonesian cultural heritage.
"I believe that the thoughts of Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif who loves history, culture, and human values are an example for all of us in maintaining and preserving the culture of the nation," he said.
Buya Ahmad Syafii Maarif Month is an annual agenda initiated by the MAARIF Institute to care for and disseminate the thoughts of the figure known as the Nation's Teacher. Through various activities throughout May to June 2026, the public is invited to reflect on Buya Syafii's ideas regarding the relationship between religiosity, nationality, and humanity.
In the event, the book "Buya Syafii in the Eyes of Ordinary People" was also launched which contains stories, experiences, and reflections from various circles about the figure of Buya Syafii.
Fadli emphasized that the government would continue to encourage community-based cultural development through strengthening the cultural ecosystem, developing the cultural economy, and the cultural industry as part of Indonesia's soft power.
According to Fadli, the ideas and examples of Buya Syafii need to continue to be introduced to the younger generation so that the love of history, culture, and human values is maintained in the midst of changing times.
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