Building Indonesia takes many forms of effort. It requires hard work, policies that side with the people, advances in science, and cross-sector collaboration. Yet amid all these efforts, the nation has never set aside another source of strength: spiritual effort through remembrance (zikir) and prayer. Progress, after all, is measured not only by what is built, but also by the values that keep the nation whole amid its diversity.

That spirit was evident at the National Prayer and Remembrance for the Nation (Zikir dan Doa Kebangsaan), held at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Saturday, August 1, 2026, ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence. Thousands of people, including religious leaders, government officials, academics, and university leaders, gathered to recite zikir and offer prayers together as a spiritual effort for the nation's journey.

UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta took part in this national moment. Representing the university were Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan, Head of the Bureau of General Administration and Finance Dr. Ali Sodiq, and Head of the Bureau of Academic Administration, Student Affairs, and Cooperation Dr. Muhammad Lutfi Hamid.

In his remarks, Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Nasaruddin Umar invited all elements of the nation to regard zikir and prayer as an inseparable part of the effort to build Indonesia. He noted that spiritual strength is not a substitute for concrete work, but rather the energy that reinforces every step of service to the nation.

“Let this evening's national zikir and prayer serve as an inner effort to strengthen our outward steps. Through zikir we steady our hearts, through prayer we reach toward the heavens, and through work and service we build the earth,” the Minister said.

His message underscored that national development does not rest on policy, programs, or physical achievements alone. Behind every step of development, there must also be steadfastness of heart, sincerity, and spiritual values that keep the nation's efforts oriented toward the common good.

The Minister further emphasized that Indonesia possesses a strength no less important than economic or technological capital: a national character built on moral values and harmony.

“We believe that a great nation is not built by economic strength, technological progress, or political resilience alone. A great nation is also built by the power of prayer, noble character, and solid harmony among its people,” he affirmed.

For that reason, the Minister reminded the audience that harmony is not merely a social ideal but a foundation for development. Stability, progress, and prosperity are more easily achieved when society lives in peace, mutual respect, and embraces diversity as a strength.

He also expressed appreciation for the religious leaders who continue to nurture harmony within society, noting that they play a strategic role both in safeguarding the values of brotherhood and in reinforcing the nation's optimism as it faces various challenges.

For UIN Sunan Kalijaga, this message aligns with the university's mandate as a center for both the advancement of knowledge and the shaping of character. The university is committed not only to producing academically outstanding graduates, but also to cultivating a generation that upholds religious moderation, tolerance, and the spirit of nationhood.

The participation of Rector Prof. Noorhaidi Hasan and the university's leadership in the National Prayer and Remembrance for the Nation reflects UIN Sunan Kalijaga's ongoing commitment to making real contributions to the nation. Through education, research, and community service, the university continues to strengthen social harmony while supporting the development of a civilized Indonesia.

The gathering at Monas served as a reminder that Indonesia's journey toward the future requires many complementary efforts: hard work drives progress, knowledge offers solutions, collaboration strengthens every step, while zikir and prayer steady the heart so that every effort remains oriented toward the good of the nation. (humassk)