Indonesia's Minister of Religious Affairs, Prof. Nasaruddin Umar, called on students at state Islamic higher education institutions (PTKIN) to develop science and technology grounded in religious values. Mastery of knowledge, he said, must go hand in hand with a responsibility to bring benefit to life.

The Minister delivered the message while officially opening the Religion, Science, and Research Olympiad (OASE) III PTKIN 2026 at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Prof. Amin Abdullah Building. The event brings together 54 PTKIN competing in 18 contests across religion, science, and research.

According to Prof. Nasaruddin, national progress requires the advancement of science and technology. Religion provides direction so that this capability is used responsibly, with attention to its effects on people and on shared life.

"A developing nation must advance science and technology. For that reason, there must be a religion that continually guides knowledge. Don't become a monster, but be a scientist who is influential and beneficial to all," he said.

Through OASE, the Minister encouraged students to deepen their religious knowledge while also being active in research and technology development. He described the spirit of competing, creating, and making discoveries as part of the Islamic scholarly tradition that must be kept alive.

In his remarks, the Minister also reflected extensively on stories of the Prophet and figures from Islamic history. He drew on examples of valuing creativity, being open to knowledge, and caring about the problems people face.

One story he shared was of the Prophet's appreciation for a young man who brought a lamp to provide light. The Minister stressed the importance of recognizing people who use their abilities and creativity to help others.

"If you are creative, then you are following the attributes of Allah, the Creator, the All-Creative," he said.

Prof. Nasaruddin also mentioned the Prophet's attention to health and agriculture. Through these stories, he invited participants to see how broadly religious life connects with the effort to meet human needs.

He expressed the same view when speaking about scholars and scientists of the past. In the Minister's words, mastery of religious knowledge can go hand in hand with diligence in research and involvement in many areas of life.

"The scientists of the past were remarkable figures. Who has read the history of Baghdad and Abu Hanifah? He was a jurist, but he was also skilled in architecture. He was the one who built the fortifications of Baghdad. He was also a tailor. Don't picture a scholar as someone who just leans against a mosque wall holding prayer beads," the Minister said.

He likewise cited Imam Shafi'i as a historical researcher who produced many works from his research, and Salman al-Farisi, who was skilled in architecture. He also mentioned Al-Kindi, who translated extensively and delved deeply into philosophy. Drawing on these examples, the Minister urged students to deepen their religious knowledge while actively engaging in research and technology development, so that they can benefit society.

With increasingly developed facilities, students are expected to feel motivated to strengthen their research and produce innovations. OASE is an opportunity to show that a deep understanding of religion is closely tied to the development of science and research.

Beyond strengthening scholarship, Prof. Nasaruddin emphasized openness to difference. He noted that the Prophet's good relations extended to people of many religious backgrounds. In his view, this spirit should guide university leaders in building an open educational environment.

"So to the rectors, don't accept only Muslim students. Give opportunities to students of various religions so that dialogue and a synthesis of knowledge can take place on our campuses," the Minister urged.

Through OASE III, the message the Minister emphasized is the importance of nurturing a generation that deepens its faith, masters knowledge, and is open to others. Students' creativity and research abilities are expected to grow alongside an awareness that knowledge carries a responsibility to benefit society. (humassk)