Annual Dawah Forum Commences in Indonesia

The annual Dawah Forum commenced in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 25, 2025, under the patronage of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event brought together Sheikh Dr. Awad Al-Anazi, Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs at the Ministry, Ahmed bin Issa Al-Hazmi, religious attaché at the Saudi embassy in Jakarta, and a large gathering of preachers from across Indonesia. According to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the forum focused on clarifying the preachers’ roles in conveying the message of moderate Islam and served as a platform for graduates of Saudi universities to meet, discuss, and exchange experiences in Islamic sciences. The two-day event underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting moderation and supporting Islamic scholarship worldwide. How does such a forum shape the future of Islamic discourse in Southeast Asia?

The forum is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts to foster moderate Islam and counter extremism, a key objective of Vision 2030. By hosting events like this, the Kingdom reinforces its role as a global leader in Islamic affairs and strengthens ties with Muslim communities in Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation. The participation of high-ranking Saudi officials highlights the importance placed on nurturing religious leaders who can guide their communities with wisdom and tolerance. As Indonesia continues to navigate its own religious landscape, Saudi support for moderate preachers is seen as vital for maintaining social harmony and preventing radical ideologies from taking root. What role do these gatherings play in bridging cultural and educational exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia?

Context and Background

Why has Indonesia become a focal point for Saudi Arabia’s Dawah initiatives? Indonesia is home to over 230 million Muslims, making it the largest Muslim population in the world. The country has a long history of Islamic scholarship and a tradition of moderate Islam, known as Islam Nusantara. Saudi Arabia, through the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, has been actively supporting educational and religious programs in Indonesia for decades. Many Indonesian preachers have studied at Saudi universities, such as the Islamic University of Madinah and Umm Al-Qura University, where they receive training in moderate Islamic thought. The annual Dawah Forum builds on this legacy by providing a dedicated space for these graduates to reconnect, share insights, and collaborate on contemporary challenges facing Muslim communities.

The forum also aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic vision to promote global Islamic unity. By investing in human capital—preachers who can influence millions—Saudi Arabia ensures that the message of moderate Islam resonates far beyond its borders. This approach is not new; it reflects a longstanding policy of supporting Islamic education and dialogue. However, in recent years, the Kingdom has intensified these efforts as part of its counter-extremism strategy. The forum in Jakarta is a testament to the enduring partnership between Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in the field of Islamic affairs. How does this collaboration benefit both nations in the long run?

Key Details

What exactly happens at the Dawah Forum? The event features a series of lectures, workshops, and discussion panels led by Saudi and Indonesian scholars. Sheikh Dr. Awad Al-Anazi delivered a keynote address emphasizing the importance of moderation in preaching and the need for preachers to address the spiritual and social needs of their communities. He highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing programs to train preachers in modern communication techniques while staying true to Islamic principles. Ahmed bin Issa Al-Hazmi, the religious attaché, spoke about the role of the embassy in facilitating these exchanges and supporting Indonesian preachers who wish to further their studies in Saudi Arabia. The forum also includes interactive sessions where participants share their experiences and discuss best practices for promoting tolerance and coexistence.

Another key aspect is the focus on academic and cultural skill development. Preachers are encouraged to enhance their understanding of contemporary issues, such as digital media, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, all within the framework of Islamic teachings. The forum provides them with tools to effectively counter extremist narratives and to present Islam as a religion of peace and compassion. By bringing together graduates from various Saudi universities, the event fosters a sense of community and shared purpose. Many participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from each other and from the Saudi scholars. How might these interactions influence the tone of religious discourse in Indonesia?

International and Regional Impact

What are the broader implications of this forum for the region and beyond? Southeast Asia is a critical region for Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy, given its large Muslim population and growing economic importance. By supporting moderate Islamic leadership in Indonesia, the Kingdom contributes to regional stability and counters the influence of extremist groups that seek to exploit religious sentiments. The forum also strengthens Saudi-Indonesian bilateral relations, which have been expanding in areas such as trade, investment, and tourism. Indonesia is a key partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly in the areas of Hajj and Umrah services, as millions of Indonesian pilgrims travel to the Kingdom each year. The religious dimension of this relationship complements the economic and political ties.

Moreover, the forum sends a positive message to the international community about Saudi Arabia’s commitment to moderate Islam. It showcases the Kingdom’s soft power and its ability to convene influential religious leaders. In a world where Islam is often misunderstood, such initiatives help to project a balanced and accurate image of the faith. They also provide a platform for dialogue between different schools of thought, promoting unity within the Muslim ummah. As Indonesia plays an increasingly active role in global Islamic affairs, its partnership with Saudi Arabia serves as a model for constructive engagement. What lessons can other countries draw from this collaboration?

Economic and Strategic Significance

How does the Dawah Forum fit into Saudi Arabia’s economic and strategic goals? While the forum is primarily a religious and educational event, it has indirect economic benefits. By fostering goodwill and strengthening ties with Indonesia, Saudi Arabia opens doors for increased trade and investment. Indonesian companies are increasingly looking to invest in the Kingdom, particularly in sectors like halal food, Islamic finance, and tourism. The forum also supports the growth of the Umrah and Hajj industry, as preachers who have positive experiences in Saudi Arabia are more likely to encourage their congregations to perform pilgrimage. This, in turn, boosts Saudi Arabia’s religious tourism sector, a key pillar of Vision 2030.

Strategically, the forum reinforces Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the Islamic world. It demonstrates that the Kingdom is not only a custodian of the Two Holy Mosques but also a proactive promoter of moderate Islam globally. This soft power asset is invaluable in countering narratives that seek to isolate or misrepresent the Kingdom. By investing in human capital and religious diplomacy, Saudi Arabia builds a network of influential allies who can advocate for its positions on various international platforms. The forum in Jakarta is thus a small but significant piece of a larger strategy to enhance the Kingdom’s global standing. How might this strategy evolve in the coming years?

Vision 2030 Alignment

How does the Dawah Forum align with Vision 2030? Vision 2030 is not just about economic diversification; it also encompasses social and cultural dimensions, including the promotion of moderate Islam and the empowerment of youth. The forum supports these goals by equipping preachers with the skills to guide young Muslims in a rapidly changing world. It also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to international cooperation and dialogue, as outlined in Vision 2030’s objectives. By fostering a moderate and forward-looking interpretation of Islam, Saudi Arabia contributes to global security and stability. The forum’s emphasis on education and cultural exchange is directly in line with the Vision’s focus on human development and knowledge transfer.

Furthermore, the event highlights the role of Saudi universities in shaping religious leaders who are both knowledgeable and open-minded. This is crucial for the Kingdom’s image as a modern, moderate state. As Vision 2030 progresses, such initiatives will likely expand, deepening Saudi Arabia’s engagement with Muslim communities worldwide. The annual Dawah Forum in Indonesia is a clear example of how the Kingdom is translating its vision into action, building bridges of understanding and cooperation. In a world that often focuses on differences, Saudi Arabia is working to unite Muslims around shared values of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect. What more can be done to amplify this message of moderation?

20 Questions

Q1. What is the annual Dawah Forum?

A1. The annual Dawah Forum is a gathering organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, bringing together preachers to promote moderate Islam, exchange knowledge, and enhance their skills.

Q2. Where and when did the 2025 forum take place?

A2. The 2025 forum commenced on April 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia, attended by Saudi officials and preachers from across the country. It is an annual event that rotates locations.

Q3. Who represented Saudi Arabia at the forum?

A3. Sheikh Dr. Awad Al-Anazi, Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs, and Ahmed bin Issa Al-Hazmi, religious attaché at the Saudi embassy in Jakarta, represented the Kingdom.

Q4. What is the main objective of the forum?

A4. The forum aims to clarify the role of preachers in spreading moderate Islam, provide a platform for graduates of Saudi universities to network, and develop their academic and cultural skills.

Q5. Why is Indonesia significant for this forum?

A5. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population, making it a key partner for Saudi Arabia in promoting moderate Islam and strengthening religious and educational ties.

Q6. How does the forum support Vision 2030?

A6. It aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting moderation, empowering youth, and fostering international cooperation, all of which contribute to the Kingdom’s global leadership and soft power.

Q7. What activities take place during the forum?

A7. The forum includes lectures, workshops, and discussions led by Saudi and Indonesian scholars, focusing on moderation, modern preaching techniques, and contemporary challenges.

Q8. Who can participate in the Dawah Forum?

A8. Preachers who are graduates of Saudi universities, as well as religious leaders and scholars from Indonesia, participate in the forum to exchange experiences and knowledge.

Q9. How does the forum counter extremism?

A9. By equipping preachers with moderate interpretations of Islam and effective communication skills, the forum helps them counter extremist narratives and promote peace in their communities.

Q10. What role does the Saudi embassy play in the forum?

A10. The Saudi embassy in Jakarta, through its religious attaché, facilitates the forum, supports Indonesian preachers, and strengthens bilateral ties in religious affairs.

Q11. Are there any economic benefits from the forum?

A11. Yes, the forum indirectly boosts economic ties by enhancing goodwill, which can lead to increased trade, investment, and religious tourism, particularly in Hajj and Umrah services.

Q12. How does the forum impact Saudi-Indonesian relations?

A12. It reinforces the strong bilateral relationship by fostering people-to-people ties, promoting shared religious values, and supporting Indonesia’s moderate Islamic tradition.

Q13. What is the significance of Saudi universities for Indonesian preachers?

A13. Saudi universities provide rigorous Islamic education grounded in moderation, and their graduates become influential preachers who spread tolerant teachings in Indonesia.

Q14. How does the forum address contemporary issues?

A14. The forum includes sessions on digital media, interfaith dialogue, and social justice, helping preachers address modern challenges while staying true to Islamic principles.

Q15. What message does the forum send to the international community?

A15. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to moderate Islam, global dialogue, and countering extremism, enhancing the Kingdom’s image as a responsible global leader.

Q16. Will the forum be held annually in Indonesia?

A16. The forum is an annual event, but its location may vary. However, Indonesia’s large Muslim population makes it a likely recurring host or key participant.

Q17. How can preachers apply to attend the forum?

A17. Preachers are typically invited through Saudi embassies, religious attachés, or partner Islamic organizations. Graduates of Saudi universities are often prioritized.

Q18. What is the expected outcome of the forum?

A18. The forum aims to produce a network of preachers committed to moderation, who will return to their communities with enhanced skills and a renewed sense of mission.

Q19. Does the forum include women preachers?

A19. While the SPA report did not specify, Saudi Arabia supports women’s roles in Islamic education, and future forums may increasingly include female scholars and preachers.

Q20. How does the forum reflect Saudi Arabia’s global Islamic leadership?

A20. By convening preachers from a major Muslim nation and promoting moderate Islam, Saudi Arabia showcases its leadership in Islamic affairs and its dedication to global Muslim unity.

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