Mahfud MD's High Hope Regarding IKN, Becomes An Inclusive City That Appreciates Differences

Photo archive: Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (right) delivered his remarks/ANTARA

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said that the new state capital (IKN) in East Kalimantan is expected to become an inclusive city that can create inter-religious harmony. This was conveyed by Mahfud when giving a speech at the first Nuzulul Qur’an commemoration at IKN, quoted from Antara, Friday, April 14. IKN as an inclusive city respects differences and recognizes the common rights of each citizen regardless of differences in ethnicity and religion. "That is the first time the Prophet (Muhammad) made a declaration when he first built the city of Medina, which we know as the Medina Charter," said Mahfud MD in front of 150 people who attended the commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an at the Al-Ikhawan Mosque, Thursday. The Al-Ikhawan Mosque, which is located in the residential area of IKN construction workers, is one of the first places of worship in IKN. For Mahfud, the commemoration of Nuzulul Qur’an at the Al-Ikhawan Mosque will be recorded in history because for the first time the day of the descent of Al Qur’an is commemorated at IKN. “Tadi jokingly, the Head of the IKN Authority, Mr. Bambang Susantono, told me tomorrow-tomorrow there may be a Nuzulul Qur’an commemoration in this capital with dozens or even hundreds of thousands of participants, but there will never be another first, except today,” said Mahfud MD. At the event, those present at the Al-Ikhawan Mosque included construction workers, religious leaders, and leaders from indigenous community groups in various parts of East Kalimantan. Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono, Deputy Minister of ATR/BPN Raja Juli Antoni, and Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque Prof. KH Nasaruddin Umar were also present following the commemoration series Nuzulul Qur’an at IKN. At the same event, Nasaruddin Umar in his lecture delivered that any holy book and religion must teach peace, brotherhood, and harmony. “ Indeed, the believers are brothers. So, if we all believe, then we are all brothers. Whoever has faith, we consider it our own brother, (alless) from any religion,” Nasaruddin said. At IKN, Mahfud MD together with a number of officials also took the time to break the fast together. The group also visited a number of construction sites, including the Zero Kilometer Point, the National Axis, the coordinating ministry office, and the Presidential Palace.

The Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque also saw firsthand the design of the Grand Mosque which was planned to be built on an area of 15 hectares in IKN, then the design of other places of worship within the IKN area.