RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is set to welcome a group of young Islamic scholars and preachers from Egypt’s prestigious Al-Azhar University for a series of religious outreach programs during Ramadan 1447/2026. The delegation, organized by the Council of Muslim Scholars (MHM), met with Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, at the ministry’s headquarters in Jakarta to discuss their upcoming duties across the country.

The visit reflects Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to fostering moderate and harmonious Islamic teachings, as well as strengthening cultural and intellectual ties with Al-Azhar, a globally respected center of Islamic scholarship.

“Welcome to these young scholars. Egypt is home to a long tradition of Islamic scholarship. Many prominent Indonesian imams, qaris, and religious leaders are graduates of Al-Azhar University,” Minister Umar said on Monday, March 9, as quoted by Antara, highlighting the deep religious and educational connections between the two countries.

The visiting qaris and da’is (preachers) are scheduled to conduct programs in multiple regions, including South Sumatra, South Sulawesi, East Kalimantan (Nusantara Capital City/IKN), West Nusa Tenggara, DKI Jakarta, and West Java. Minister Umar emphasized that their deployment aims to strengthen local hubs of interfaith and intrafaith harmony.

“You will be spread across cities that symbolize religious harmony in Indonesia, from Sulawesi and Sumatra to IKN and Java. Language will not be a barrier, there will be locals to assist and help you adapt,” Minister Umar added.

The initiative is also viewed as an important cultural and intellectual bridge, with the ministry hoping the scholars’ presence will not only provide religious guidance but also reinforce bonds of brotherhood and mutual understanding.

“Consider Indonesia your second home. I hope this mission allows you to engage deeply with our rich culture while sharing your knowledge and faith,” he continued.

The delegation will begin its assignments at major mosques and Islamic centers in their designated regions. Notably, their posting in East Kalimantan underscores international support for religious development in the Nusantara capital, envisioned as Indonesia’s new hub of civilization. ***