"Our aid for developing educational and religious facilities is a long-term investment to nurture quality human resources and strengthen social harmony across Maluku," he noted in a statement received in Ambon City on Saturday.
Umar highlighted that the Religious Affairs Ministry’s assistance covers the construction of several facilities, including a ministry mosque in Ambon, the Center for Integrated Hajj and Umrah Services building, and the ministry’s local office building in Tual City.
He added that the aid also covers the construction of new classrooms for a public Islamic junior high school in Southeast Maluku District and a religious affairs office in Central Maluku District.
The minister assured that his ministry is equally committed to supporting the development of educational and religious facilities and services for non-Muslim residents, reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusiveness and fairness.
"The Ministry of Religious Affairs is present for all religious communities. The development of quality educational facilities must equally benefit schools of different faiths, including Islam, Protestantism, and Catholicism," Umar affirmed.
His remarks align with data from the Religious Affairs Ministry, which shows that through its Maluku regional office, it has distributed Rp154.3 million (around US$9,100) in infrastructure aid for Mediatrix Langgur Catholic School in Southeast Maluku.
The ministry has also disbursed about Rp1.27 billion (over US$75,000) for 14 Christian schools in Maluku under the Smart Indonesia Program.
In addition, the government has provided Rp510 million (US$31,000) in assistance for Islamic boarding schools and institutions, along with internet access for 170 Islamic schools across the province to support digital learning.
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Translator: Ode Dedy, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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