Muslim Council of Elders Officially Inaugurates its Regional Branch in Indonesia Amidst the Presence of Officials, Religious Leaders, and Ambassadors to Southeast Asia

The Muslim Council of Elders has opened its regional office for Southeast Asia in Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, this Wednesday morning. The ceremony was attended by H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders,  along with a distinguished group of officials, religious leaders, and ambassadors to Southeast Asian countries. Prominent attendees included H.E. Dr. Yusuf Kalla, former Vice-President of the Republic of Indonesia; Dr. Yaqut Cholil Qoumas, Minister of Religious Affairs; H.E. Abdullah Salem Obeid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Indonesia; and H.E. Ashraf Mohamed Moguib Sultan, Egypt's Ambassador to Indonesia. The gathering also saw participation from various representatives of Arab, Islamic, and Southeast Asian nations, as well as numerous religious scholars, academics, university leaders focused on environmental and interfaith issues, and delegates from Al-Azhar in Indonesia.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, stated that the official launch of this branch aligns with the Council’s mission and objectives under the leadership of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar and Chairman of the Muslim Council of Elders. The Council endeavors to promote values of dialogue, tolerance, peace, and human coexistence.

The Secretary-General highlighted that the Jakarta branch, inaugurated today, will function as an effective communication channel with all Southeast Asian countries. It will actively participate in organizing a series of inspiring events and initiatives, emphasizing Indonesia's pivotal role in fostering tolerance and mutual coexistence.

The Muslim Council of Elders boasts regional branches in Malaysia and Pakistan. The Indonesian branch has been operating virtually since 2021, with the goal of establishing effective platforms for engagement with countries and regions globally, emphasizing the promotion of peace in both Muslim and non-Muslim communities. It further aims to advance dialogue, tolerance, mutual coexistence, and human fraternity.

It is noteworthy that the official inauguration of the Muslim Council of Elders’ branch in Indonesia coincides with the launch of the “Religions and Climate Change” conference. Organized by the Council, this conference hosted 150 representatives from various religions in Southeast Asia, as well as scholars, intellectuals, and youth leaders concerned with climate change issues. The objective of the conference was to underscore the role of religions in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change.

The Muslim Council of Elders is an independent international entity chaired by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. Founded in Abu Dhabi in 2014, the Council is comprised of eminent  Muslim scholars and intellectuals known for their justice, wisdom, and moderation.