Minister Of Religion Nasaruddin Asks The Ministry Of Religion's UPQ To Print Other Religious Holy Books

Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar while reviewing the printing of the Al Quran in Ciawi, Bogor, Wednesday (4/12/2024). (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Minister of Religion (Menag) Nasaruddin Umar asked the Al Quran Printing Unit (UPQ) of the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) in Ciawi, Bogor, not only to print the Al Quran, but also to be able to print a holy book of other religions.

"This should not only print the Koran, but also print other holy books. Yes, so that we respect each other more. Because the Ministry of Religion is a ministry for all religions," said Nasaruddin Umar when inaugurating the UPQ Islamic Religious Literacy Center Building, Wednesday, December 4, which was confiscated by Antara.

The Minister of Religion said that even though it was printed in the Al Quran Printing Unit, the spirit of tolerance must still be held firmly by its staff. This is also in order to meet the shortcomings of other religious holy books in Indonesia.

In addition to printing holy books, this UPQ is also expected to be able to issue textbooks, journals, and various other printed products professionally.

"Any holy law of religion can be printed here. Even though it is called the Al-Quran Printing, this printing can also print holy books of other religions and other books," he said.

The Minister of Religion's proposal reflects on the case when he was still the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance in 2006. When the Ministry of Religion will print the Al Quran, the process is very complicated and does not view the Al Quran as a holy book.

The appointed publisher, said the Minister of Religion, treats the Koran like a newspaper. Even though there are adabs and ethics that must be considered when holding and treating the holy book.

"There is a Quran that is thrown just like that, even stepped on. Even though in my place (South Sulawesi) when holding the Qur'an must be ablution, must be pure in this place," he said.

Likewise with other holy books. He said that during the printing process, the holy book was not treated properly.

So with the presence of UPQ, printing the Koran and other holy books can be placed in an honorable position.

"I believe we will treat the same, at least there is respect for the holy book. I, any holy book, yes, we must respect it," he said.

"So if possible, holy book, each religion under the Ministry of Religion, rather than using other printing stations, we use our own printing press. Calculations provide additional energy to our printing printing company," he continued.