Melaka, Malaysia — It wasn’t just another diplomatic speech. When Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, took the podium at the 21st Meeting of MABIMS Ministers of Religious Affairs, he delivered more than a policy statement — he declared a civilizational vision.

“Baghdad, through its Bayt al-Hikmah, once stood as the intellectual powerhouse of the Islamic world. Today, Southeast Asia must prepare itself to become the new Bayt al-Hikmah for the Muslim world,”
— Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs of Indonesia.

The room fell silent for a moment. The statement carried weight — not mere rhetoric, nor ceremonial diplomacy. Before delegates from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, Nasaruddin called for a historical leap: for Southeast Asia to move from the periphery to the center of Islamic civilization.

From Stability to Leadership

According to Nasaruddin, the Middle East has fulfilled its historic role as the cradle of Islamic civilization. But today, many nations in that region remain mired in political instability and conflict.
In contrast, Southeast Asia has emerged as the most stable Muslim-majority region in the world — politically, economically, and socially.

“With the stability we have, I believe Southeast Asia is poised to become the world’s new epicenter of Islamic civilization,” he asserted confidently.

He emphasized that the MABIMS countries — Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore — possess exceptional social and spiritual capital: vibrant diversity, strong religious education systems, and an inclusive intellectual tradition rooted in Islam.

Redefining the Mosque: From Worship Space to Civilizational Hub

The 2025 MABIMS forum also adopted a new initiative titled “Semanis MABIMS Seharum Serantau”, aiming to transform mosques into centers of social and economic empowerment.

Nasaruddin showcased one striking example: Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta — not only the largest mosque in Southeast Asia but also the world’s first mosque to receive the Green Building (EDGE) certification from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

Recycled ablution water irrigates gardens, energy is managed efficiently, and modern conservation systems protect the environment. “This is how spirituality meets science,” said Nasaruddin.

Through the MADADA (Masjid Berdaya Berdampak) program, Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has empowered 4,450 micro-entrepreneurs, renovated or built 647 mosques and prayer halls, and trained 1,350 mosque managers in economic empowerment and community development.

Islam as a Source of Harmony

Each MABIMS nation carries its unique Islamic narrative. Indonesia promotes its flagship programs of Religious Moderation and Trilogy of Harmony, Volume II, which emphasize harmony between humans, nature, and God.

“Religion must be a source of peace and social cohesion — not division,” Nasaruddin affirmed.

He closed his speech with a message that was both hopeful and challenging:

“May MABIMS continue to serve as a bridge between state and religion, and a platform to strengthen Islamic brotherhood across the region.”

From Baghdad to Melaka — and Beyond

If Baghdad once illuminated the world with its knowledge and openness, Nasaruddin’s message was clear: it is time for Southeast Asia to carry that torch forward.
His speech in Melaka was not a mere closing remark — it was a manifesto for a new Islamic renaissance.

This call now resonates within the academic corridors of Indonesia’s Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN). For UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, the Minister’s vision represents both an inspiration and a moral duty.

As a leading university under the Ministry of Religious Affairs, UIN Sunan Kalijaga is committed to transforming that vision into tangible action through:

• Inclusive Islamic research,
• Digital innovation in education and da’wah,
• Student development grounded in moderation and global competitiveness,
• Cross-border academic and cultural collaboration.

From classrooms to international forums, UIN Sunan Kalijaga stands ready to become a locomotive of knowledge and a builder of civilization — making knowledge its beacon and moderation its path toward a brighter Islamic future in Southeast Asia.