The commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Indonesia's independence serves as a moment to strengthen unity, empathy, and solidarity within society. Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has called on people of all faiths to translate religious values into concrete action, including helping communities affected by recent earthquakes in several parts of Indonesia.

The Minister delivered this message in his remarks at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony, held at the courtyard of the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Central Office in Jakarta on Monday, August 17, 2026. He called on people of all faiths to make the most of religious philanthropy as a source of social strength, while also driving economic empowerment within their communities.

“Let us reach out with care and help the victims of the earthquakes. This is religion showing up; not just speaking of heaven, but working for the earth,” the Minister said.

He also invited the public to pray for the victims of earthquakes in East Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, and Central Sulawesi, expressing hope that those who had passed away would be granted honor, that the injured would soon recover, and that affected communities would be given resilience and a swift recovery.

According to the Minister, the spirit of independence should be understood not merely as a historical celebration, but as a responsibility to build a national life that is increasingly just, peaceful, and empowered. Religious values, he said, need to be translated into a force that delivers real benefit to society.

In his remarks, the Minister reminded the audience that Indonesia's independence was born through struggle, sacrifice, and prayer from every part of the nation, including religious leaders. Ulama, priests, pastors, Hindu pandita, Buddhist monks, and other religious figures all took part in the fight to win and defend independence.

That legacy of struggle, the Minister said, needs to be carried forward by preserving unity amid Indonesia's diversity. Interfaith harmony, he added, remains one of the nation's most important assets for continuing to grow and progress.

The Minister noted that the Religious Harmony Index rose from 76.47 in 2024 to 77.89 in 2025, while the 2025 Religious Piety Index reached 84.61.

“This is something we should be grateful for. Don't let our differences become a reason for hostility. Don't let religion become a reason to grow apart. Let religion and its values be a path toward strengthening one another and giving meaning to life,” he affirmed.

The Minister also encouraged houses of worship and religious education spaces to become places that nurture peace, knowledge, and good character, saying religion must serve as a source of enlightenment and benefit for shared life.

“Houses of worship must be places of peace. Madrasahs, pesantren, majelis taklim, Sunday schools, pasraman, widyalaya, and other spaces of religious study must be places where knowledge and good character can grow,” the Minister continued.

The 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at the Ministry of Religious Affairs' Central Office was attended by Vice Minister of Religious Affairs Father Muhammad Syafi'i, Ministry officials, civil servants (ASN), as well as religious leaders and public figures. During the event, the Minister also symbolically presented Satyalancana Karya Satya service medals to civil servants who have served for 30, 20, and 10 years.

The Minister's message stands as a reminder that the spirit of independence needs to be continually put into practice through care for one another and collective effort. Amid Indonesia's diversity, religion serves not only as a source of spiritual values, but also plays an important role in building solidarity, strengthening harmony, and delivering benefit for all. (Bureau of Public Relations and Public Communication)