The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has launched a five-day scholarly course for preachers, imams, khatibs and students on Lombok Island in Indonesia, beginning December 1, 2025, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). Organized in cooperation with the Religious Attaché at the Saudi Embassy in Jakarta and the Abu Hurairah Islamic School, the program brings together 172 participants to advance principles of moderation, balance and sound religious understanding.
Context and Background
SPA reported that the course forms part of the Kingdom’s sustained international outreach to promote sound values and reinforce the principles of moderation and balance. Over the past three years, the ministry has implemented 26 scholarly courses in Indonesia, benefiting thousands of participants and strengthening a shared scholarly space with Indonesian institutions committed to responsible religious education.
Within this framework, the ministry’s programs focus on strengthening foundational Islamic concepts, encouraging moderate approaches to interpreting religious texts and supporting scholarly and dawah cooperation. By working with established partners such as the Religious Attaché in Jakarta and Abu Hurairah Islamic School, the initiative supports capacity building for religious leaders and students and fosters long-term collaboration grounded in mutual respect and professionalism.
Key Details
According to SPA, the Lombok program convenes preachers, imams, khatibs (sermon leaders) and students for targeted learning designed to reinforce moderation and balance in religious discourse. The ministry’s curriculum emphasizes clarity in interpretation, contextual understanding of religious texts and a commitment to avoiding extremism by upholding mainstream scholarly methods and ethical engagement.
The cooperation with the Religious Attaché ensures the course is closely aligned with Saudi Arabia’s official educational and outreach standards, while the partnership with Abu Hurairah Islamic School provides a local platform for academic exchange. Together, these institutions create a structured environment for participants to review core principles, share best practices and strengthen professional networks that support community guidance and public awareness.
SPA noted that the five-day structure enables sustained engagement with participants, allowing for cumulative learning outcomes over the course period. The ministry’s sustained presence in Indonesia through multiple scholarly courses over recent years indicates a comprehensive approach to outreach, one that prioritizes consistency, measurable participation and institutional collaboration.
Implications and Impact
The initiative highlights a growing Saudi-Indonesian partnership in religious scholarship and community education. By convening 172 participants on Lombok, the ministry supports human capital development in a country with deep Islamic traditions and a vibrant scholarly community, contributing to the professional growth of local preachers and students and, by extension, to community cohesion.
Regionally, the course underscores Saudi Arabia’s role in promoting moderation and balance through official channels. The focus on methodical interpretation and cooperation complements broader efforts to encourage responsible religious guidance, enhance public trust in community leaders and strengthen the social fabric through accurate, accessible religious education.
Internationally, the program reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to constructive engagement and knowledge partnership. With 26 courses conducted in Indonesia over three years, the ministry’s sustained track record—reported by SPA—signals the Kingdom’s long-term investment in scholarly collaboration, emphasizing continuity, practical outcomes and mutual benefit with partner institutions.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs’ course in Lombok aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives to foster a vibrant society rooted in shared values and to expand international partnerships that promote stability and understanding. By advancing moderation and balanced scholarship, the initiative supports human capability development, strengthens institutional ties with respected academic partners and amplifies Saudi Arabia’s constructive global role. As the program concludes, the ministry’s ongoing cooperation in Indonesia—documented by SPA—positions the Kingdom to deepen educational linkages, share expertise and contribute to a more connected, resilient and informed global community in the years ahead.