President Jokowi Encourages Mosques to Become Centers for National Progress

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo opens the National Working Meeting of the Mosque Welfare Body (BKM), at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (11/08). (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Agung)

The Mosque Welfare Body plays a crucial role in encouraging mosques to become centers for both community development and national progress, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“With the BKM’s involvement, we hope these places of worship to be professionally and responsibly managed, to benefit the people. This way, mosques can transform into centers for personal development, national progress, and be welcoming to all,” the President said during the opening of the BKM National Working Meeting, at the Presidential Palace, Wednesday (11/08).

With a membership spanning over 17,600 mosques nationwide, he continued, the potential benefits of BKM are significant for both Muslims and the Indonesian nation.

On that occasion, the President expressed hope that places of worship can serve as sacred spaces for prayer, fostering unity in diversity, and as educational centers for character development.

“I hope that the central and national levels of BKM management can actively synergize to safeguard mosques against the threats of intolerance and extremism, as well as divisive politicization that doesn’t promote unity or harmony. This way, we can continue to uphold national unity and cohesion,” he said.

The President also expressed appreciation for the BKM revitalization measures carried out by Ministry of Religious Affairs.

“About two weeks ago, the Minister mentioned to me that the BKM should be revived, much like its operation in the 1960s. I said, we’re ready. I mean in terms of necessary regulations, whether it’s a presidential regulation or a presidential decree, we’ll prepare it later. Everything else that matters will be the Minister’s responsibility,” the President remarked. (DND/UN) (RIF/LW)