Indonesia-Qatar Deepen Dialogue on Religious Education, IKN Development

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Qatar are strengthening ties through new initiatives in Islamic education, imam and muezzin training, religious delegation exchanges, and potential collaboration in Indonesia’s future capital city (IKN).

These priorities were discussed during a meeting between Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar and Qatari Ambassador to Indonesia Sultan bin Mubarak Saad Al-Dosari in Jakarta on Monday, May 25, 2026.

Minister Nasaruddin introduced the Institute of Qur’anic Studies Jakarta (PTIQ Jakarta) as a key center for producing imams and muezzins, noting its national reputation.

“We have a university in Jakarta, PTIQ, dedicated to imam and muezzin training. Many well-known figures have graduated from our institution,” he said, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Ambassador Al-Dosari welcomed the proposal, expressing Qatar’s commitment to building concrete collaboration in religious affairs and institutional exchanges. He also emphasized Qatar’s readiness to strengthen ties with Indonesia, including through cooperation in human resource development.

Beyond education, the talks also touched on Qatar’s potential involvement in the development of IKN. Minister Nasaruddin highlighted the government’s vision for the new capital as an open space for international collaboration, including in Islamic civilization and religious institutions.

The meeting carried strong diplomatic undertones, with both sides stressing the importance of stability in the Muslim world amid global geopolitical challenges. They voiced hope for peace in the Middle East and greater cooperation among Muslim nations.

As a follow-up, Indonesia and Qatar agreed to continue communication and prepare for possible bilateral meetings and concrete collaboration after the 2026 Hajj season.

This dialogue marks a step toward expanding cooperation beyond diplomacy, aiming to build a stronger ecosystem for Islamic education, religious outreach, and globally connected human resource development. ***