Indonesia Redefines Mosques as Inclusive Civilizational Hubs

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Mosques in Indonesia are undergoing a major transformation, evolving beyond their traditional role as houses of worship into inclusive centers of civilization.

Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar outlined this vision while hosting President of the UK‑based Imam Academy, Muhammad Ali Balaou, at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque on Friday, September 4, 2026.

As Grand Imam of Istiqlal, Nasaruddin highlighted the mosque’s role as a trendsetter in modern management of religious institutions, offering free facilities such as lodging, healthcare, fitness centers, and language study programs.

He noted that other mosques in Jakarta are beginning to adopt Istiqlal’s model, reflecting a broader push to modernize mosque governance and expand community services.

Alongside infrastructure improvements, the ministry is also strengthening the capacity of religious leaders through international partnerships.

Programs include double degrees with Harvard International University and Riverside University in the United States, as well as initiatives to train female scholars in collaboration with Al‑Azhar University.

"We are also preparing female scholars through a program with Al‑Azhar University. All scholarships are fully funded,” Minister Nasaruddin said, Friday, as quoted on the ministry's official website.

Professor Balaou welcomed the vision, noting parallels with developments in the UK. “In Birmingham, we now have around 500 mosques. Ten years ago, halal food and prayer spaces were scarce. Today they are everywhere,” he said.

He also pointed to London’s growing role in Islamic finance, with three major Islamic banks operating in the city.

Imam Academy itself is an independent institution in the United Kingdom that has trained more than 30,000 imams in 70 countries since 2015 and works closely with Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Al-Azhar University.

Minister Nasaruddin praised these developments, calling them proof of Islam’s positive contributions in Western societies.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for him to visit the Imam Academy in the UK, reinforcing plans for deeper collaboration between the institution and Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. ***