The Minister of Religious Affairs Nasaruddin Umar has called on all Civil Servants (ASN) within the Ministry of Religious Affairs to make the commemoration of the 81st Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia an opportunity to strengthen unity, integrity, and a harmonious work culture. He made the call while opening the series of events commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs headquarters in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials and civil servants from the Ministry’s central office. In addition to serving as an annual observance, the event provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among employees amid their diverse backgrounds, duties, and responsibilities.
In his remarks, Nasaruddin Umar emphasized that the spirit of independence should not be confined to ceremonial activities. Instead, the values of independence should be reflected in everyday working life through mutual respect, closer interpersonal relationships, and the removal of barriers among government officials.
“In the field, there is no distinction between officials and non-officials. We are all equal. In the eyes of God, we all hold the same standing,” he emphasized.
He said the diversity within the Ministry of Religious Affairs is an essential asset for strengthening collaboration and improving the quality of public services. He therefore called on all employees to uphold tolerance, strengthen communication, and foster working relationships based on mutual respect.
“Diversity should not be a reason to create distance. Instead, it should become a strength that brings us closer together and enables us to build better cooperation,” he said.
On the occasion, the Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining moral and spiritual values in carrying out the responsibilities entrusted to civil servants. He introduced the principle of ISTIQAMAH as a guiding framework to be applied in the performance of their duties.
ISTIQAMAH is an acronym representing Ikhlas (sincerity), Sabar (patience), Tawadhu (humility), Istihsan (doing what is best), Qanaah (contentment), Amanah (trustworthiness), Murad (desired), Akhlak (good character), and Hayah (life).
“Everyone, let us carry out our duties by upholding the values of ISTIQAMAH: Ikhlas, Sabar, Tawadhu, Istihsan, Qanaah, Amanah, Murad, Akhlak, and Hayah,” he said.
According to Nasaruddin Umar, these values provide a foundation for every civil servant to uphold integrity, sincerity, and responsibility in delivering services to the public.
Beyond character development, the Minister also encouraged employees to adopt healthy lifestyles as a means of supporting workplace productivity. He urged Civil Servants to make use of the sports facilities available at the Ministry while ensuring that such activities do not interfere with their professional responsibilities.
“Every day, please take some time to relax and exercise so that we can stay active and break a sweat. However, these activities must not reduce the quality or substance of the duties and responsibilities we need to complete,” he said.
He explained that a healthy work environment would contribute to a workforce that is healthier, more energetic, and better equipped to provide optimal public services.
Concluding his remarks, Nasaruddin Umar expressed his appreciation to the organizing committee, volunteers, and everyone involved in the implementation of the series of events commemorating Indonesia’s 81st Independence Anniversary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
“I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to the entire organizing committee, volunteers, and everyone who has committed their time and energy to ensuring the success of the 81st Independence Anniversary celebrations at the Ministry of Religious Affairs,” he said.
He expressed hope that the spirit of togetherness and the values embodied in ISTIQAMAH would continue to become part of the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ work culture—not only during Independence Anniversary commemorations but also in the day-to-day execution of official duties.
The opening of the 81st Independence Anniversary celebrations was also attended by Advisor to the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP), Helmi Nasaruddin Umar; Special Advisors and Expert Advisors to the Minister of Religious Affairs; Ministerial Experts; First- and Second-Level Senior Officials; and civil servants from the Ministry’s central office.
Editor : I Made Juni Saputra
Photographer : I Gusti Ngurah Sathya Dharma
