Gov’t Holds Dhikr and National Prayer at Monas to Welcome 81st Anniversary of Independence Day
The Indonesian Government held a solemn dhikr and national prayer at the National Monument (Monas) area in Jakarta on Saturday evening (8/1) to welcome the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
Embracing the spirit of togetherness in diversity, the dhikr and national prayer, which was attended by more than 100,000 people, served as a space for reflection for all elements of the nation to commemorate the struggles of the nation’s founders and to strengthen their resolve to uphold and advance Indonesia’s independence.
The national prayer began with the singing of the national anthem, Indonesia Raya. It then continued with the recitation of verses 1 to 14 from Surah Ar-Rahman by Muhammad Zian Fahrezi, winner of the 3rd Al-Ameed International Quran Recitation Competition (MTQ) in Karbala, Iraq, in 2026.
In his remarks, Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said that the dhikr and national prayer were the nation’s spiritual endeavor to honor independence by safeguarding unity and harmony amid Indonesia’s diversity.
Nasaruddin also stated that a great nation is also built on the strength of prayer, noble character, and solid harmony among its people.
“Dhikr nourishes our hearts, our prayers knock on the gates of heaven, and our work and dedication build the earth. Around 100,000 people coming to the dhikr and prayer event tonight from various regions and faiths to pray together for the nation,” said Nasaruddin.
The event then continued with an interfaith national prayer led by six interfaith leaders. Prayers were offered in succession, according to each faith tradition, as an expression of gratitude for the blessing of independence and a hope that Indonesia will always be granted peace, unity, and strength in pursuing its national ideals.
The interfaith national prayer began with the Christian prayer led by Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty, followed by the Catholic prayer led by Father Fransiskus Yance Sengga, S.Fill.Lic.Th. The Hindu prayer was then led by Pinandita Gede Pastika, followed by the Buddhist prayer led by Bhikku Bhadranatha, Thera and the Confucianist prayer led by Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo, before concluding with the Muslim prayer led by H. Husni Ismail.
The solemn atmosphere then continued with the recitation of the National Prayer led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf, joined by thousands of worshippers in the Monas area.
The event opened with a recitation of the Quran led by Dr. KH. Rijal Ahmad Rangkuti, followed by the Khatm Quran prayer recited by Ustadz H. Muzakkir Abd Rahman, MA.
Also attending the event were Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the Red-and-White Cabinet, as well as interfaith leaders. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (JAS/MEP)
