Regarding the Board of Peace, the Minister of Religion ensures that the President will intensify dialogue with Islamic NGOs

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar. (Antara)

JAKARTA - The emergence of a difference in attitude of some Islamic organizations towards Indonesia's involvement in the Board of Peace has prompted the government to strengthen communication with religious figures. Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar said President Prabowo Subianto routinely invited Islamic organizations to dialogue and provide direct explanations.

"Once a month we invite Islamic organizations. The President greets and provides actual information, but the ulama also gives input to the President," said Nasaruddin at the Presidential Palace Complex, Tuesday (3/2). The forum, according to him, became a two-way communication space between ulama and umara.

The issue of the Board of Peace was also discussed. Nasaruddin admitted that there were differences of opinion. "If people do not understand the explanation of the President, they have the potential to have different opinions. But after hearing the detailed explanation, they can give each other input," he said.

The Ministry of Religion stated that it had moved through the academic channel. "We are proactive. We have 57 UIN and immediately held four seminars to articulate the President's statement," he said. The seminar involved experts from America, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Palestinian journalists. The results were compiled in a scientific paper and disseminated.

"Many initially misunderstood, but after reading the results of the seminar, they understood," said Nasaruddin. He assessed that open dialogue between the government and religious figures is important in the midst of global dynamics that place Indonesia in a strategic position.