Disclaimer: This article is an editorial that highlights the problems in Indonesia today

PIKIRAN RAKYAT - The Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, welcomed the arrival of the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Imam Akbar Ahmed Al Tayeb, at Soekarno Hatta Airport, Cengkareng, Tangerang, on Monday, July 8, 2024. The Minister assessed that the arrival of the Chairman of the Muslim Hukama Council (MHM) would be a meaningful visit for Indonesia.

Grand Sheikh Al Azhar Ahmed Al Tayeb has visited Indonesia three times in the last decade. The first two visits took place in 2016 and 2018. On this third visit, Imam Akbar Al Tayeb is scheduled to be in Indonesia for four days, from 8-11 July 2024.

"Alhamdulillah, this afternoon I welcomed the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar, Imam Akbar Ahmed Al Tayeb, on his official visit to Indonesia, for approximately four days. Although short, I think this visit is very meaningful for us in Indonesia, especially Indonesian Muslims," the Minister said at the VIP Room of Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

Minister of Religious Affairs (1998), M Quraish Shihab, Acting Director General of Islamic Education Abu Rokhmad, Head of the Ministry's Training and Development Centre Suyitno, and Special Staff of the Minister of Religious Affairs Abdul Rochman and Wibowo Prasetyo), also participated in welcoming the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar.

The Egyptian Ambassador, HE Yaser Asheemy, as well as several Egyptian figures, including Sahar Nasr (Advisor to the Grand Sheikh and CEO of Bayt Zakat Al-Azhar), Nahla al-Shaedi (Head of Markaz Tathwir and Advisor to GSA for Foreign Students Affairs), were also present.

While in Indonesia, the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar is scheduled to meet the Indonesian Republic President, Joko Widodo, at the State Palace. After that, the Chairman of MHM is scheduled to give a public lecture at the Indonesia State Islamic University (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.

Imam Akbar Ahmed Al Tayeb will also hold discussions with interfaith figures, and meet with the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) and the Muhammadiyah Central Board (PP), the National Zakat Agency (Baznas), and the Al-Qur'an Study Center.

Yaqut Cholil Qoumas hopes that the visit of the Grand Sheikh of Al Azhar will provide inspiration regarding understanding, practice, and experience related to religious moderation which has been the focus of Al Azhar University.

“We know that Al Azhar has always been very concerned about religious moderation. I think this visit will also be very inspiring for all of us, in our nation and religion. Because we know that wasatiah or religious moderation is very important for religious life and the unity of our nation," Yaqut added.

According to him, Indonesia is a very diverse country with a very diverse citizen background. If not managed well, this diversity is also prone to friction.

“Religious moderation is very important, because we are very diverse, both in terms of religious beliefs, tribes, and culture. I hope that the mindset Grand Sheikh Al Azhar brought to Indonesia can be an inspirayion in implementing religious moderation,” he said.***(Politeknik Negeri Bandung/Yeurley Arba Nabila)