National Spirit: Touching Monas’s Skies, Weaving Archipelago Harmony
National Spirit: Touching Monas’s Skies, Weaving Archipelago Harmony
JAKARTA — A nation’s progress is measured not merely by the height of its skyscrapers or the speed of its economic engines, but by the strength of the spiritual foundation sustaining its society. Throughout Indonesia’s journey, physical effort and spiritual devotion have always moved in tandem; spirituality serves as both a moral compass and a social glue binding diversity into a force for unity. Without spiritual depth, physical advancement risks losing its way, whereas unity rooted in prayer and devotion to Almighty God fosters harmony capable of withstanding the test of time.
Beneath the dim glow of the majestic National Monument (Monas) on Saturday night (Aug 1, 2026), the capital’s bustle gave way to solemn devotion. More than 100,000 worshippers from across the archipelago recited a collective prayer for peace and safety in Indonesia. The National Zikir (Remembrance) and Prayer event officially commenced, marking the launch of celebrations for the 81st Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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| Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar delivers an address during the National Dhikr and Prayer event for Indonesia’s 81st Independence Day anniversary. |
The clear voice of Muhammad Zian Fahrezi—first-place winner of the 2026 Al-Ameed International Quran Recitation Competition in Karbala—resonated across the Monas grounds with a recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman. A shared longing for harmony intensified as Minister of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. KH. Nasaruddin Umar, M.A., delivered an insightful address before members of the Red and White Cabinet and national figures.
"Through zikir we nurture the heart, through prayer we touch the heavens, and through hard work and service we build the earth," the minister said, emphasizing that harmony is an absolute prerequisite for fulfilling the promise of independence.
His statement underscored the balance between inner purity, one's relationship with God, and social contribution: zikir purifies the heart from prejudice to embrace difference, prayer seeks blessings and peace from the Creator, and concrete work builds civilization and shared prosperity—three complementary pillars forming genuine harmony.
In his address, Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar highlighted the crucial importance of maintaining harmony amid Indonesia’s diversity. Differences in faith, he said, should not prevent the people from uniting through a shared love for the nation.
"Indonesia is God’s most beautiful canvas. We may hold different beliefs, but we are united by our common love for Indonesia," he said.
Efforts to foster harmony have yielded impressive results. The country's Religious Harmony Index rose from 76.47 in 2024 to 77.89 in 2025—the highest achievement cited in the speech. The figure surpassed the 2025 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN) target of 76.47 and edged closer to the final 2029 target of 78.25.
Expressing appreciation to religious leaders for their ongoing role in preserving unity, the minister stressed that harmony is more than just a statistical score—it serves as a vital foundation for driving national development.
"Harmony is the cornerstone of development," he emphasized.
This devotion was further demonstrated as six religious leaders offered prayers in turn: Rev. Jacklevyn Frits Manuputty (Protestantism), Father Fransiskus Yance Sengga (Catholicism), Pinandita Gede Pastika (Hinduism), Bhikku Bhadranatha Thera (Buddhism), Xs. Budi S. Tanuwibowo (Confucianism), and a representative of the Islamic faith. On the Monas plaza that night, differences in belief ceased to be barriers, becoming instead a shared spiritual effort for the nation's future.
Among attending heads of State Islamic Higher Education Institutions (PTKIN) and national leaders, the Rector of UIN Bukittinggi, Prof. Dr. Silfia Hanani, followed the proceedings with deep solemnity. Her presence from West Sumatra served as a concrete manifestation of synergy between academia and government to ground religious moderation. UIN Bukittinggi views such national gatherings as a crucible for strengthening a younger generation that is both intellectually sharp and spiritually mature, reinforcing the campus's role on the frontlines of nurturing diversity.
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| Prof. Silfia Hanani (left) with her colleague at the national dhikr venue |
The vast crowd later joined in the National Selawat led by Habib Syech bin Abdul Qodir Assegaf. From the heart of the capital, a message of peace and civility echoed gently yet powerfully across differences, uniting millions in patriotism.
The waving Red-and-White flags alongside selawat banners demonstrated that religiosity and nationalism are mutually reinforcing. That night, thousands of voices reaffirmed a shared resolve: to keep Indonesia standing firm on pillars of peace, brotherhood, and civility. [IRWANDI]
Dr. Irwandi
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