Wednesday, 17 June 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, has emphasized the importance of maintaining close ties between government leaders and Islamic scholars, saying such relationships are essential to ensuring that public governance remains grounded in ethical and moral values.
The message was delivered during a luncheon with members of the Haflah Khas Team of the Medan branch of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) at the pavilion of the mayor's official residence on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.Held in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the gathering coincided with the commemoration of the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448 Hijri. Rico encouraged participants to use the occasion as a moment for reflection and renewed commitment to serving the community.
"Religious scholars should not be viewed merely as a tool to be consulted only when problems arise," Rico said.
He stressed that every leader, from mayors to senior government officials, remains human and therefore susceptible to mistakes. For that reason, he said, the role of ulema is indispensable in reminding leaders to uphold ethical principles and moral responsibility."A leader stays on the right path when accompanied by religious scholars. Every human being can fail, make mistakes, or take the wrong decision," he added.
He also advocated for an open and inclusive style of governance, emphasizing the need for the government to eliminate barriers and strengthen direct engagement with residents. Such an approach, he said, would ensure that all segments of society are reached and included in development efforts.
For Rico, modern leadership is fundamentally rooted in service. A leader should not merely issue orders but should be responsible for addressing the needs and aspirations of the community."What does it truly mean to be a leader? Is it simply being a boss who gives orders? The new year should encourage us to reflect on that question. To me, a leader is a servant of the people, not someone seeking admiration," he said.
His remarks underscored the view that public office should be regarded not as a symbol of power, but as a public trust that must be exercised with integrity and accountability.Hasan stated that his gratitude represented not only his personal view but also that of the entire MUI Medan leadership.
"This appreciation is shared by all of us, Mr. Mayor. Therefore, we would like to thank you once again and express our respect. After our prayers today, we were even invited to share a meal together. Alhamdulillah," Hasan said.He added that cooperation between the government and MUI serves as an important foundation for maintaining social and religious harmony in Medan, while open communication enables societal challenges to be addressed through dialogue and mutual understanding.
These principles, he said, guide MUI's work in society. Beyond religious affairs, the organization also acts as a bridge between public interests and government institutions.
Hasan reaffirmed MUI's commitment to supporting programs that contribute to community welfare and development through constructive recommendations, religious guidance, and moral counsel."MUI will never stand in opposition to the government. Our role is to provide recommendations, religious guidance, and direction so that religious, social, and governmental life can progress harmoniously alongside the community. In this context, MUI serves as a mediator," he concluded.
The cordial gathering highlighted the strong relationship between the Medan City Government and MUI Medan. It also reaffirmed the importance of constructive cooperation between government institutions and religious leaders in building a harmonious, religiously grounded, and people-centered city. (IDNC)REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
