Amid the state agenda marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar led a prayer at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) on Friday, August 14, 2026. In his prayer, the Minister called on all elements of the nation to unite their hearts and minds, strengthen unity, and bring the nation's full potential together to face its various challenges.
The prayer formed part of the Annual Session of the MPR RI and the Joint Session of the DPR RI and DPD RI, held to mark the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence in 2026. The Minister expressed hope that this state occasion would be more than a routine agenda item, but a space to strengthen togetherness and commitment to building Indonesia.
"May this Annual Session become the best possible moment to bring together all the nation's potential that You have granted us," Nasaruddin Umar said in his prayer in Jakarta.
He continued that Indonesia is a nation that upholds unity, oneness, and togetherness in realizing its noble ideals, particularly in upholding Indonesia's dignity amid global challenges.
This message of unity was reinforced by a plea for all elements of the nation to unite their hearts and minds in their love for the homeland.
"Unite our hearts and minds so that we may love our country together," the Minister prayed.
In his prayer, the Minister also asked for protection for the Indonesian nation from slander, betrayal, deception, and various forms of harmful manipulation that could disrupt national unity.
Notably, the prayer also carried a message of introspection for leaders and everyone else when facing criticism. The Minister asked that valid criticism serve as a basis for correction, while those who offer criticism mistakenly still be granted forgiveness.
"Awaken us to correct ourselves if the accusations and criticism against us are true. Forgive those whose accusations and criticism are mistaken," he said.
This message underscored the importance of an open attitude in national life. Criticism, it suggested, should not be seen merely as a threat, but can serve as a means of evaluation and self-improvement when it is offered in truth.
The Minister also prayed for those in society experiencing injustice and hardship, asking that help be given to anyone in need, regardless of their level of religious devotion.
"O Allah, help any of Your servants who are wronged and vulnerable on this earth, whether devout in their faith or not yet so, for they too are Your creations who are in need of help," the prayer read.
Closing his prayer, the Minister reminded the nation that its journey is far from over. Many challenges, responsibilities, and obstacles still lie ahead and must be faced together. For that reason, he asked for strength and resilience so that every duty entrusted to the nation could be carried out to the fullest.
"The road ahead of us is still long, the challenges we must face are still great, the responsibilities we must carry are still many, and the obstacles we must overcome are still varied," he said.
He also called on the Indonesian people to keep striving while entrusting the outcome to God. The prayer closed with a plea for forgiveness for the Indonesian nation, its parents, leaders, and the heroes who have served the country.
"Make our nation and our country baldatun thayyibatun wa rabbun ghafur—a good land under a forgiving Lord—a country of abundance and prosperity, of order, peace, and well-being."
The Minister of Religious Affairs' prayer at the 2026 Annual Session stood as a moment of spiritual reflection amid the commemoration of Indonesia's independence. Unity, openness to criticism, care for the vulnerable, and resilience in the face of challenges emerged as important messages to keep nurturing together on the nation's journey forward.(humassk)