Visit Vihara-Kelenteng, Menag Emphasizes Government Commitment to Guarantee Ease of Worship

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar and his staff during a visit to the Sian Djin Ku Poh Temple and Temple, Karawang, West Java, Thursday (5/2/2025). ANTARA/HO-Kemenag

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring ease of worship for all religious people, which he conveyed when reviewing the Sian Djin Ku Poh Temple and Temple, Karawang, West Java.

Nasaruddin Umar emphasized the presence of the state in guaranteeing the right to worship for citizens. The Minister of Religion emphasized that the process of granting permits for the construction of houses of worship should not be complicated.

"If someone wants to worship but doesn't have a place, our minimum obligation is to provide licensing facilities. Don't let good intentions to get closer to God be hampered by administrative affairs," said the Minister of Religion as quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, February 5.

Menag told the story of the example of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. when he was in Madinah. At that time, the Prophet saw the construction of the house of worship of other people who were stalled because of cost constraints. Instead of letting it go, the Prophet ordered that the construction be continued.

"This is a portrait of true tolerance taught by the Prophet Muhammad. His attention to other religious people is very great. This spirit is what we must emulate in maintaining diversity in Indonesia," said the Minister of Religion.

According to the Minister of Religion, houses of worship have a crucial role in shaping human character. If someone is far from a house of worship, then he is at risk of being far from God, which ultimately has the potential to commit actions that harm others.

"Helping people to easily worship means helping them become better people. We should be grateful that this house of worship stands tall and has an active congregation," he said.

During the visit, the Minister of Religion also handed over assistance for the repair of houses of worship worth Rp50 million as a form of the government's real support for the comfort of Buddhist worshipers.

The handover of assistance was symbolically handed over to the manager of the Sian Djin Ku Poh Foundation. Menag hopes that this assistance will not only be a physical stimulus, but also have an impact on strengthening the spirituality and economy of the people.

"We hope that this assistance will provide broad benefits, both for the improvement of the physical facilities of houses of worship and for empowerment programs for the surrounding community," said the Minister of Religion.

To Buddhists in Karawang, the Minister of Religion invited them to revive the Vihara and Kelenteng Sian Djin Ku Poh with spiritual activities. The Minister of Religion advised that the physical beauty of the building should be in harmony with the spirit of the congregation.

"Don't let the building itself be magnificent and beautiful, but no one visits to worship. If the place is comfortable, there is no more reason to be lazy. The closer we are to God, the further we are from evil. Insya Allah," he said.