Jakarta, July 31 -- Religious Affairs Minister Nasaruddin Umar expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Suryadharma Ali, former religious affairs minister for 2009-2014, who died at Mayapada Hospital in Jakarta on Thursday at 4:18 a.m. local time.

"Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un. On behalf of myself and the entire Ministry of Religious Affairs, I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. H. Suryadharma Ali," Nasaruddin remarked in Jakarta on Thursday.

He remembered the late minister as a devoted figure who worked tirelessly to strengthen the country's religious governance.

During his tenure, Suryadharma was known for reinforcing religious institutions, improving education services in Islamic schools and pesantren (Islamic...