Jakarta, August 30, 2025 — Indonesia’s Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin, has called on religious and community leaders to help ease tensions and prevent provocation as protests continue across Jakarta and other regions. While acknowledging citizens’ right to express their aspirations, he warned against violence that could undermine public order and harm the nation’s unity.

“I urge religious leaders and community figures to deliver messages that bring clarity and peace, so that people are not provoked,” Nasaruddin stated during a National Prayer Gathering in Buton Tengah, Southeast Sulawesi. He emphasized that demonstrations must remain peaceful, cautioning that acts of vandalism and anarchy ultimately damage all parties involved.

The minister also expressed deep condolences over casualties, including the death of Affan Kurniawan, a ride-hailing driver who lost his life during the unrest. He prayed for the victims’ families to find strength and for the injured to recover swiftly. On legal matters, Nasaruddin urged the public to trust law enforcement to handle ongoing investigations “professionally and transparently.”

Closing his remarks, the minister—who also serves as Grand Imam of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque—called on all religious communities to pray for Indonesia’s peace and resilience. “We must draw lessons from these recent events and continue striving for a more united, just, and harmonious future,” he said. (humassk)