By: Kumaidi Masamper*
Ramadan 1447 H/2026 M has once again arrived as a long-awaited month, not only for its spiritual significance but also for its transformative power in national life. In the national context, Ramadan is not merely a moment for personal worship; it is a space to strengthen collective commitment to maintaining social harmony and reinforcing unity amid evolving social, economic, and political dynamics.
Amid global challenges, economic fluctuations, and the rapid flow of information, Ramadan offers a reflective opportunity to reaffirm the values of self-restraint, simplicity, and empathy—essential foundations for building a strong national life. Therefore, calls from leaders to make Ramadan a momentum for strengthening social piety are highly relevant, as they aim to tighten solidarity, safeguard national stability, and reaffirm the spirit of togetherness within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
Nasaruddin Umar, Minister of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasized that Ramadan is a momentum to strengthen social piety and nurture national harmony. This call is not merely normative, but a strategic appeal to Muslims as the majority of the nation. Fasting, as he conveyed, teaches self-control and proportional living. These values are crucial for building a just, non-exploitative, and sustainable social life, both toward fellow human beings and toward nature.
Fasting trains individuals to refrain even from what is lawful, let alone from what is forbidden. In a social context, this means restraining greed, resisting the urge to monopolize resources excessively, and avoiding consumptive behavior that neglects the common good. When the value of self-restraint is truly internalized, it gives rise to a more just and empathetic society. This is the form of social piety that is expected—religiosity that has a tangible impact on public life.
Following the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was known as the most generous of people, especially during Ramadan, the Minister of Religious Affairs also encouraged the strengthening of social solidarity. Amid rising public needs during the holy month, the presence of the state through various price stabilization policies and social assistance programs should be met with active participation from society. The state works, and the people move. It is this synergy that will strengthen national harmony.
In a similar spirit, Masyitoh Chusnan, Chairwoman of the Central Leadership of Aisyiyah, invited Muslims to interpret fasting as jihad akbar, or the great struggle against desires and greed. This interpretation is highly relevant in the modern context, where consumerist lifestyles and resource exploitation often threaten environmental sustainability.
According to her, Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from hunger and thirst, but a comprehensive act of worship that encourages behavioral change. Tarawih prayers, Qur’an recitation, and social charity should influence a simpler lifestyle, energy conservation, and waste reduction. From a national perspective, such self-restraint constitutes a real contribution by religious communities in supporting the sustainable development agenda currently promoted by the government.
We recognize that humans have a tendency toward greed. Yet faith equips us with the capacity to control that impulse. When Ramadan is understood as a struggle against excessive desires, it becomes a moral force supporting policies that promote energy efficiency, food security, and environmental protection. Ultimately, the spirit of jihad akbar strengthens national resilience from within.
Meanwhile, Cucun Ahmad Syamsurijal, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), stated that Ramadan is a profound space for both spiritual and social learning. He encouraged the public to use the holy month as a momentum to strengthen togetherness, deepen piety, and nurture unity in national and state life.
This statement is significant amid national political dynamics that often generate sharp differences. Ramadan teaches patience, sincerity, and empathy—values that form the foundation of a harmonious and united Indonesia. During fasting, individuals are trained not to be easily provoked, not to spread hate speech, and to prioritize dialogue and deliberation.
As a leader within the legislative institution, Cucun also emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and ensuring that policies remain pro-people, especially when public needs increase during Ramadan. This statement demonstrates that the spirit of Ramadan does not end in the spiritual realm but must also be reflected in responsive and just public policies.
Ramadan is a test of nationhood. It tests whether we can make religion a unifying force rather than a dividing one; a source of public ethics rather than merely a private ritual. The test appears in many forms: the test not to spread hoaxes that can divide society; the test not to hoard essential goods for personal gain; the test to respect differing political choices and religious views; and the test to remain confident that unity is Indonesia’s primary capital in facing global challenges.
In this context, supporting government policies aimed at maintaining price stability, strengthening social assistance, and ensuring security and public order during Ramadan is part of national responsibility. Stability is not solely the duty of authorities; it is a collective responsibility of all elements of the nation.
Ramadan teaches that true victory is not victory over others, but victory over oneself. When we are able to restrain anger, control consumption, increase charity, and guard our speech, we are in fact strengthening the foundation of national unity.
(* The author is a member of the Gusdurian community in Banjarmasin. *)
