Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia’s largest Muslim Organisation, encourages the Indonesian government to firmly counter the issue of religious radicalism among many other recommendations varying from political, educational, and socio-economical reforms.
Said Agil Siradj (left), Rais Aam (second left), President Joko Widodo, and West Nusa Tenggara Governor beating the Beleq Gendang signaling the opening of the National Conference of Ulemas and NU Konbes (Image Credit: Republika.co.id)
NU drew a detailed set of recommendations for the government on Saturday (25/11/2017), following the closing of the organisation’s national meeting and conference at the Duran Quran Bengkel Islamic Boarding School in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara over the weekend. The two day meeting was The two-day meeting was opened by President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, and attended by several officials, including Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo and Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, as reported by Liputan 6 News.
The comprehensive set of recommendations formulated by NU members that consists of scholars and ulemas covered local issues such as the economy and prosperity, terrorism prevention and counterterrorism efforts, health, education, domestic politics, and foreign affairs. All recommendations were read aloud by NU leader Said Agil Siradj on the last day of the conference (25/11/2017) , as reported by Detik.com
The first point (recommendation) touches on the importance of the government to act firmly and “decisively” to tackle the issue of radicalism in Indonesia. NU suggests a “comprehensive national strategy”, shortened in Indonesian as STRANAS (Strategi Nasional) that encompasses reforms that covers all aspects including religious, educational, political, security, cultural, socioeconomic, and family-based affairs.
Followed by the second and third point that further elaborated on specific actions that the government should take as part of handling religious radicalism. The second point focused on overseeing the development of religious sects and the immediate response system the government must create in responding to such situations for the overall harmony and, “..unity of the nation.”
Furthermore, the third point highlighted the importance of education as a “vanguard of preventing radicalism through strengthening character education.” Siradj also elaborated that curriculum implementation includes capacity building of educators and the proper management of government educational programs.
The fourth, fifth, and sixth point emphasised on NU’s hopes for political reform. Touching upon the importance of preservation and “revitalization” of the Pancasila as Indonesia’s philosophy and ideology. Siradj recommends the optimization of the Presidential Work Unit for the Development of Pancasila Ideology (UKPPIP) in, “...consolidating the Pancasila ideology” in all aspects of society both public and private sectors.
Followed by a slight poke towards the recent, political, controversial events that occurred in Jakarta, Siradj firmly stated the importance of how both, “Political parties and politicians must stop using religious sentiments in practical political struggles.” Siradj even dare so, implicitly, used a specific example of a more-or-less controversial gubernatorial race that was weighted down by unfortunate circumstances, by referring to a specific “five-year power struggle” that was played around by “religious sentiments” and is considered as an “irresponsible act that can rip the nation’s survival.”
Following his fifth point, he reads a recommendation that encourages local law enforcements to protect the “constitutional rights” of citizens from radical group pressures. He points out that law enforcement should crack down on, “Any act of violation of the law in the name of religion, especially hate speech.” He even emphasised once more on how law enforcement should be firm in tackling the issue in Point 6B and mentions, “The use of religious sentiments in practical political struggles by political parties and politicians in order to be a deterrent effect.”
Siradj makes a final recommendation by foregrounding the importance of strengthening the moderate Islamic network that, “...has often been exemplified by the Islamic world and a role model for the world community.” The seventh and final point solidified the notion that NU truly is a beacon and a hopeful role model as a religious organisation role model that promotes harmony in hopes of unity in diversity.
In today’s world that is controlled by the media that promotes fake news, which demonises the religion of Islam, NU hopes that they along with other Islamic organisations in Indonesia can become an example of how pluralism truly can thrive in a nation that embraces religious freedom. A sweet ending to a brief yet comprehensive and important list of recommendations for a better future for Indonesia and its citizens.
References
Annemarie Sieraphin Minaesta Wantah
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