Indonesia Highlights Islamic Cultural Expression at Wahdah Congress

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Culture Minister, Fadli Zon, attended the National Tabligh Akbar and the opening of the Fifth Congress of Wahdah Islamiyah at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta. The event also featured the inauguration of 10,000 Qur’an teachers and lectures by national and international Islamic scholars.

Based on the release received by RRI VOI Sunday, August 23, 2026, Fadli Zon, said his attendance reflected the government’s interest in witnessing an event that carries significance not only for the organization, but also for Indonesia’s cultural life. He noted that Wahdah Islamiyah has grown rapidly across Indonesia and continues to contribute to religious and community activities.

“I am grateful to be here to witness the opening series of the Fifth Congress of Wahdah Islamiyah, an organization that is now growing rapidly throughout Indonesia. One of its programs is the inauguration of 10,000 Qur’an teachers,” Fadli said.

According to the minister, the inauguration of thousands of Qur’an teachers represents a major event with an important cultural dimension. He explained that culture has a broad scope and, in many aspects, can exist in harmony with religious principles.

Fadli also highlighted Indonesia’s extraordinary cultural diversity and the layers of civilization that have developed across the country. As a Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia has developed diverse Islamic cultural expressions that interact closely with local traditions in different regions.

Among the examples he cited were Qur’anic recitation, halal bihalal gatherings, iftar traditions, Islamic calligraphy, hadroh performances, and other cultural practices. Fadli noted that some Islamic traditions have gained international recognition, including iftar and halal bihalal as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

The minister encouraged the Wahdah Islamiyah community to take part in advancing Indonesia’s national culture, including by preserving both tangible and intangible Islamic cultural expressions. He said the call was also in line with Article 32, Paragraph 1 of Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution, which mandates the state to advance national culture.

Fadli Zon congratulated Wahdah Islamiyah on the Fifth Congress and expressed hope that the organization would continue to benefit Indonesian society and Muslim communities nationwide. Held every five years under the theme “Strengthening Unity and Collaboration Towards a Blessed Indonesia,” the congress serves as a forum for religious leaders to strengthen Qur’an-based outreach while contributing to national unity.