Indonesian Religion Minister Receives Iranian Ambassador

Jakarta, MINA – Indonesian Minister of Religion Fachrul Razi received a visit from Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Alireza A’rafi at the Ministry of Religion Office in Jakarta on Tuesday, October 29.

Both parties discussed religious and educational issues.

According to Ayatollah, so far relations between Iran and Indonesia have been going well. Indonesia as the world’s largest Islamic country has a special place for the people of Iran.

“Iranians, government officials, clerics, spiritual leaders emphasize that they have a special relationship for Indonesia.

“We hope that Iran-Indonesia relations will continue to improve, especially in the fields of education, technology, and religious studies,” Ayatollah said.

He also expressed Iran’s hopes to cooperate with Indonesia, especially in the fields of science, social, culture, economy, technology, and politics.

He explained the Higher Education (PT) system in Iran adheres to two systems namely the University and Hauzah (Islamic Boarding School).

“We have around 2,000 universities in 1,000 cities. We also have four million students. Interestingly 60 percent of women, “he explained.

Iran also has 300 thousand professors and senate members who teach at various PT.

Meanwhile, Fachrul Razi explained his duty as Minister of Religion in Indonesia not only overshadowing Islam, but also various other religions such as Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism.

“Our task is to create a good religious life and respect each other,” said the Minister of Religion.

Regarding education, Fachrul explained that the Ministry of Religion fostered around 29,000 pesantren, 80,000 madrassas, 733 PTKI.

“All of them are built by promoting tolerance and prioritizing national unity,” he said.

In addition, he also explained the existence of the International Islamic University of Indonesia (UIII), which will start operating next year and accept students from various countries.

“Lord willing, there will be a UIII next year, and we hope that from the Islamic world, we can study at UIII,” concluded the Minister of Religion. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)