ASIATODAY.ID, RIO DE JANEIRO – Indonesia has reaffirmed its role as the newest member of BRICS by presenting five strategic initiatives at the BRICS Muslim Religious Leaders’ Meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Represented by the Secretary-General of Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, Prof. Kamaruddin Amin, the country underscored its commitment to strengthening religious diplomacy on the global stage.
The meeting was attended by representatives of 10 BRICS member states: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia. Delegates issued a joint statement emphasizing cooperation based on Islamic spiritual values, brotherhood, and moral foundations to ensure the well-being of nations and future generations.
Indonesia’s Five Strategic Initiatives for BRICS
In his remarks, Prof. Kamaruddin highlighted Indonesia’s experience in maintaining unity within its diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural fabric, anchored by the national motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
Building on this, Indonesia introduced five major initiatives to enhance interfaith and inter-state cooperation among BRICS nations:
1. BRICS Islamic Knowledge Center
A digital platform to share theological research and agreed-upon issues, functioning as a virtual laboratory for scholars, intellectuals, and religious leaders.
2. Young Scholars and Clerics Exchange Program
A one-year fellowship enabling young Muslim scholars and clerics to rotate among BRICS countries, fostering cross-cultural understanding and global networking.
3. BRICS Zakat and Waqf Partnership
An initiative to integrate zakat, waqf, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) systems to maximize the potential of philanthropic resources.
4. Eco-Theology, Food Security, and Halal Initiatives
Collaborative research on land restoration, water conservation, and sustainable halal agriculture to address pressing environmental challenges.
5. Spiritual Silk Road Cultural Festival
A celebration of Islamic art, halal cuisine, and cultural heritage aimed at strengthening cultural diplomacy and deepening cross-national ties.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Global Religious Diplomacy
Through these proposals, Indonesia has emphasized its readiness to strengthen the moral foundations of BRICS cooperation. Prof. Kamaruddin stressed that Indonesia stands prepared to contribute to global peace, solidarity, and prosperity.
“Indonesia has valuable experience in safeguarding diversity through a moderate and tolerant religious perspective. These values will be our key contribution to BRICS and to the world,” he said.
With these initiatives, Indonesia not only enhances its role within BRICS but also paves the way for sustainable religious diplomacy to address global challenges. (AT Network)
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