PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia expressed its appreciation to the people of West Java who were very enthusiastic in commemorating the Islamic Holiday of Muharram 1448 Hijri with the theme: Strengthening Love of Islam and Islam Love in 1448 H, in the Main Hall of the Al-Jabbar Grand Mosque, Tuesday (9/6/2026).

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar hopes that West Java will become a mirror as a center of harmony between the people and the community.

"We welcomed the Islamic New Year with West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi and all the people of West Java. It was extraordinary to see such a surge of love, in keeping with our theme today," said Nasarudin.

Nasarudin admitted that he was impressed by the various breakthroughs made by KDM, Dedi Mulyadi's nickname, to create an extraordinary offering.

"How the people love their governor, and how the governor loves and prioritizes the welfare of his people. This is a very good example for the future. This is Indonesia and this is Islam," Nasarudin explained.

In the same place, the Ministry of Religion has officially appointed West Java as the host of the Indonesia Sharia Economic Forum Expo (IES Expo) 2026, after it was successfully held in West Nusa Tenggara Province in 2025.

The selection of West Java as the host is the result of direction and appointment from the Ministry of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as part of efforts to strengthen the development of the national sharia economic ecosystem and expand collaboration between the government, business world, academics, and the community.

West Java was chosen based on the region's significant potential for developing the Islamic economy and finance, including the presence of various educational institutions, halal businesses, Islamic boarding schools, and strong local government support for strengthening the halal industry and empowering the Muslim economy.

The announcement was made during a series of events commemorating the Islamic New Year 1448 Hijri at the Al Jabbar Grand Mosque, Bandung City, Tuesday (9/6/2026), which was attended by the Indonesian Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar and the Governor of West Java Dedi Mulyadi.

It is hoped that the 2026 Indonesia Sharia Economy Forum Expo in West Java will foster various innovations, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities that can accelerate the growth of Indonesia's sharia economy and strengthen Indonesia's position as a global hub for the sharia economy. (Parno)