MUI Karawang Plans Mualaf Center as Foreign Conversions Rise

The Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) in Karawang, West Java, reports a growing number of foreign nationals converting to Islam. The organization attributes the trend to divine guidance (hidayah) and the hospitality of Indonesian society, noting that some converts are motivated by marriage while others are drawn by daily Islamic practices.

MUI chair KH Tajuddin Nur announced plans to establish a dedicated Mualaf Center to provide structured religious education and community support for new converts, especially foreigners. The center is expected to collaborate with Baznas and serve as a venue for ongoing guidance and fellowship. About 30% of recent converts are from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Germany and Finland. Similar conversion activity has been observed in other West Java regencies, including Sukabumi, Indramayu and Tasikmalaya.