Lukman Hakim Saifuddin

Descendant of respected Islamic scholars and educators from Central Java

As a child, he studied religion from his mother. He went to SDN Jakarta dan MI Manaratul Ulum Jakarta, and SMPN XI Jakarta for junior high school. After this, he entered the Pondok Modern Darussalam Gontor in Ponorogo, East Java, graduating in 1983, at the age of 21.[7] Following his graduation from Gontor, Lukman Hakim studied at the Faculty of Da'wah at As-Syafiiyah Islamic University in Jakarta. During university, Saifuddin excelled in the fields of study, training and research. It was also during this time that he became active in the management of the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU), a traditionalist Sunni Islamist movement. He graduated with a bachelor's in 1990.

He began his political journey through the United Development Party (PPP), where he steadily built his reputation as a reform-minded and moderate figure. He was elected several times as a Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), representing his party with a focus on religious affairs and national unity. In 2009, he was appointed Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI), where he played a key role in promoting interfaith dialogue and strengthening democratic values. His integrity and inclusive approach to politics led to his appointment as Minister of Religious Affairs in 2014 by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Recognizing his capability, President Joko Widodo reappointed him to the same position, where he served until 2019.

Author of several articles and public lectures on religious moderation and interfaith dialogue

Active in promoting religious tolerance, pluralism, and interfaith cooperation; frequent speaker at national and international religious forums

Recognition from various organizations for promoting interreligious harmony and moderate Islam (no specific award data publicly listed)

Member of the United Development Party (PPP); involved in interfaith dialogue networks

During his tenure, he was widely acknowledged for championing religious moderation, transparency in Hajj administration, and bureaucratic reform within the Ministry. His leadership marked a significant period of transformation, emphasizing tolerance, pluralism, and the importance of religion as a force for peace and social cohesion

He is a native speaker of Bahasa Indonesia and is fluent in English, a skill that has enabled him to effectively engage in international forums and interfaith dialogues. His command of both languages allows him to communicate complex religious and social ideas with clarity and diplomacy, fostering mutual understanding across diverse audiences. Through this linguistic ability, he has represented Indonesia’s voice of moderation and tolerance on the global stage.

Reading, public speaking, and community dialogue

His appointment as Minister of Religious Affairs, which allowed him to implement values of tolerance and moderation in national policy

Beyond his governmental duties, he remains actively engaged in various national and international initiatives promoting peace and interfaith understanding. He frequently serves as a keynote speaker and panelist at global conferences on religion, democracy, and human rights, sharing Indonesia’s experience in fostering harmony within diversity. Lukman is also involved in educational and community programs that encourage youth participation in nurturing tolerance and ethical leadership. His consistent involvement in dialogue and civic initiatives reflects his lifelong commitment to building bridges among different faiths and cultures.

For him, success is rooted in integrity, sincerity, and the courage to uphold moderation in all circumstances. He believes that true leadership lies in the ability to listen, to bridge differences, and to serve with honesty and compassion. Throughout his career, these principles have guided his decisions and earned him respect across political, religious, and social boundaries. Lukman’s enduring commitment to justice, transparency, and harmony has become the cornerstone of his personal and professional success.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.

Information available only in printed publication available in libraries.