In a statement, Umar said the ministry worked with the National Alms Agency (Baznas) and other philanthropic groups to collect relief funds, underscoring the government’s commitment to rapid response efforts in the three provinces.
“Our objective goes beyond material recovery — we want to restore survivors’ spirit and hope,” he said, adding that psychological support is essential for affected communities.
Umar, who also serves as grand imam of Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque, said the ministry’s wide regional network allowed it to quickly gather accurate field data through local religious affairs offices (KUAs).
“Reports from KUAs go directly to the central office. God willing, the data is valid because it comes from KUAs, Islamic study groups, mosque leaders and interfaith units,” he said.
The ministry is also assessing the condition of religious schools in disaster-hit areas to determine follow-up policies. “Schools suffering severe damage will receive special handling,” Umar said.
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He stressed the importance of promoting ecotheology — a concept linking religious values with environmental stewardship — as a moral foundation to reduce the risk and impact of future disasters.
“Religious language is effective in building public awareness about the need to live in harmony with nature. Damaging the environment is a sin, and restoring it is a noble act,” he said.
Umar urged the media to amplify this message to encourage broader participation in environmental protection and help strengthen the country’s resilience to natural disasters.
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Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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