Hendrik Yaputra, Jakarta – President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia's religious scholars and government leaders must work together to address the nation's challenges, stressing that meaningful change depends on collective effort and unity.

Speaking before officials of the Indonesian Ulema Council (Majelis Ulama Indonesia/MUI), Prabowo quoted a verse from Surah Ar-Ra'd, which states that God will not change the condition of a people unless they change what is within themselves.

"God will not change the fate of a community unless they change their own condition," Prabowo said during the inauguration of the MUI leadership for the 2025-2030 term at Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

The president said religious scholars play a crucial role in strengthening public confidence that the government can uphold justice. He also praised the MUI for choosing the theme Munajat untuk Keselamatan Bangsa (Supplication for the Safety of the Nation), calling it a relevant response to the country's current challenges.

Prabowo urged all elements of society to unite, saying unity can only be achieved by overcoming suspicion and hatred.

"Competition and differences are natural and even beneficial," he said. "But after competing, all elements must come together for the safety of the nation. Respect all communities and all people."

The inauguration took place amid a series of national challenges, including floods and landslides in several regions.

Organizing committee chair Nusron Wahid, who also heads the MUI Disaster Management Department, said the event included collective prayers in response to the disasters, led by several prominent religious figures.

"The collective supplication for the nation's safety is both a spiritual effort and a message of unity and empathy for our brothers and sisters affected by disasters," Nusron said in an MUI Digital statement on Friday, February 6, 2026.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/2085763/prabowo-quotes-quran-verse-while-calling-for-peoples-unit