"Mosques should be centers of civilization that can help address global challenges, including climate change," the ministry's Islamic affairs acting director, Ahmad Zayadi, said in a statement released by his office here on Saturday.
He expressed the belief that apart from its function as a house of worship, a mosque also plays a strategic role as a learning and social transformation hub.
For that reason, Zayadi said, the Religious Affairs Ministry is holding ISIM 2024 with the grand theme of "Eco-friendly Mosque, Climate Change, and Future Generation" to remind people that mosques can act as institutions adaptive to change.
"We need to once again think about how to make mosques more relevant to the needs of modern society, driving them to emerge as spearheads of the use of eco-friendly technologies," he added.
On sustainability, the official said that the upcoming international symposium would also highlight the need to help mosques achieve energy efficiency.
"By integrating the concept of eco-friendly mosque, we will be able to encourage congregations to pay closer attention to environmental preservation," he explained.
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Meanwhile, head of the ministry's Sub-directorate of Mosque Affairs, Akmal Salim Ruhana, revealed that ISIM 2024 is expected to feature several sessions, including presentations, book reviews, and discussions involving experts on mosque development and environmental sustainability.
"During the ISIM 2024, we will also see an exhibition showcasing pictures of eco-friendly mosques and the Model and Friendly Mosque Award contested by mosques from across Indonesia," he said.
People can participate in the symposium virtually by registering via bit.ly/isim_2024, he added.
According to the plan, Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas will open ISIM 2024 and serve as the keynote speaker.
Academicians, researchers, and mosque activists from various countries will join the symposium.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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