Indonesian Minister Reveals Prabowo Asked Him to Continue as Grand Imam

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar said that President Prabowo Subianto has asked him to continue as Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque.

“When asked about Istiqlal, he (Prabowo) said, ‘Don’t worry; you can hold both positions. We will arrange things so you can concurrently serve as Minister of Religious Affairs and Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque,'” Umar said.

Speaking at an event for International Anti-Corruption Day in Jakarta, he added that the conversation with Prabowo occurred before his ministerial appointment.

Umar said he had never considered serving as a minister, as he did not believe he was the right candidate to lead the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

He said there were many individuals more deserving and competent for the post.

“I said, ‘We will serve you (Prabowo) even outside the (government) structure. It would be fine if you found someone more competent than me. Serving as Grand Imam of Istiqlal is enough for me,'” he recalled.

However, Prabowo remained resolute about appointing Umar as his main aide in religious affairs.

Umar affirmed his commitment to executing all directives entrusted to him by the president, including reforming the ministry, particularly by eliminating corrupt practices.

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