Jakarta, Sept. 8 -- Indonesia seeks to emphasize the role of mosque imams (worship leader) as diplomats who spread messages of peace as the country hosts the 2026 International Grand Imam Conference (IGIC) later this month.

"The imams can play their role as actors in global diplomacy and spread the messages of peace from Indonesia to the international community, from the pulpit to the prayer niche," Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar stated in his remarks on Tuesday.

The remarks were conveyed after Umar earlier received Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta in Jakarta to discuss the 2026 IGIC and the roles of mosque imams in advocating peace.

According to Minister Umar, mosque imams must serve as ambassadors of peace, as their dut...