By: Ismail
Religious leaders are at the forefront of preventing radicalism and intolerance. With the active role of religious leaders, it is hoped that the anti-Pancasila understanding can be suppressed.
Brigadier General Pol R Ahmad Nurwakhid as Director of Prevention of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) said religious leaders are the spearhead in efforts to prevent the spread of radicalism and terrorism in society.
In his written statement, Akhmad Nurwakhid said that so far radical groups have often wrapped up efforts to spread their understanding with religious motives. In fact, this is certainly very detrimental and also slander the religion. So the success in overcoming radicalism and intolerance, according to him, lies in the role of religious leaders.
He also appealed to interfaith leaders to always pray for the success and success of countering terrorism radicalism which has been attempted through the Religious Leaders Task Force program.
The former Section of the Banops Densus 88 Anti-terror at the National Police Headquarters also said that all religious leaders should emphasize more on things that are spiritual in nature, which are reflected in the behavior of akhlakul karimah, and continue to convey these good things to the people.
He said, it should also be conveyed to the people, that all acts of radicalism have nothing to do with any religion, but are related to deviant religious understandings and ways.
Akhmad Nurwakhid also said, radicalism is the enemy of all religions. This is because it is very contrary to religious values and principles that maintain unity, peace and rahmatan lil’alamin (grace to all nature).
We need to know that the root cause of radicalism is deviant religious ideology or distorted understanding. In addition, one of the factors that triggers the emergence of radicalism intentions or motives is the politicization of religion or using politicized religious doctrines for political purposes.
Radicalism can grow, one of which is because of the lack of scientific interpretations in its context. This understanding can be addressed, among others, by understanding the correct study of the Arabic language.
Don’t let any content that comes from the Arabic language and then we think of it as a religious language. This of course must be addressed because the correct understanding of Arabic studies can be used to counteract radicalism.
A number of acts of radicalism that occurred in Indonesia were carried out in the name of religion. This happens because religion is most easily used as a tool for various purposes.
Of course people must be careful about involving religion in any case. Because, not a few parties use religion for self-defense and other purposes. Actions of radicalism in the name of religion usually have nothing to do with religion. But there are other interests or problems behind it.
Of course we still remember, where adherents of radicalism are very frontal in the implementation of the 2019 General Election. All narratives about the destruction of the state due to choosing certain leaders are also often heard.
The role of religious leaders is very important in order to shape the character and morals of the community through proper religious education so that they can reduce intolerant radical understandings that have the potential to trigger acts of terror.
Of course, synergy is needed between the government, in this case BNPT and religious leaders to be able to jointly carry out moderation efforts in religious life, explaining extremist attitudes in religious activities which of course can intersect with one another’s religions because we realize that the Indonesian state has a diversity of religions. from a religious standpoint.
We must be aware that tolerance is not just an academic term and affirmation, but the practice of diversity in dealing with diversity. Tolerance requires real action in every action. For this reason, mainstreaming the principles, insights, and practices of tolerance in a society with Bhineka is a necessity. In fact, the Prophet Muhammad also forbade Muslims to cause pain or injury to others.
Radicalism and intolerance are attitudes that both hurt, the spirit of Bhineka Tunggal Ika must be inflamed not only by the government, but also by religious leaders so that their followers can live side by side in differences peacefully.
The author is a contributor to the Pertiwi Institute
