Jakarta (ANTARA) – Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has emphasized that religious harmony is one of the important foundations for Indonesia’s development.
Nasaruddin said religious harmony was not merely about relations among religious communities but also about creating the social stability needed to advance education, the economy, and public welfare.
“Without harmony and stability, development and economic growth would not be possible. If conflicts occur frequently, investors will also be afraid to invest in Indonesia,” the minister said during a visit to ANTARA News Agency’s office in Jakarta on Thursday.
One of the developments highlighted by the minister was the Religious Harmony Index (IKUB). In 2025, the index reached 77.89, up from 76.47 in 2024.
The 2025 score was the highest since the index survey was first conducted in 2015. It also exceeded the 2025 target of 76.77 set under the 2025-2029 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN).
According to Nasaruddin, the increase was a development that should be maintained.
He said the quality of religious life could not be measured solely by the index score.
The closeness of religious communities to their religious values, says Nasaruddin, also determines the quality of social life.
“The greater the distance between religious teachings and their adherents, the more difficult it will be for us to maintain harmony. Conversely, the closer people are to their religious teachings, the better we hope community life will become,” the minister said.
The minister emphasized that religion needs to be present in social life and serve as a source of values for society.
Additionally, a Poltracking survey conducted from August 14-20, 2026, also found that 72.5 percent of respondents believed the government had succeeded in maintaining harmony among religious communities.
The survey was conducted through face-to-face interviews with 1,220 respondents.
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Translator: Bayu Prasetyo
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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