By: Nurul Janida
As religious moments such as the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr approach, society often faces complex challenges. One of these is the threat of radicalism and terrorism, which tend to increase during these significant times. This phenomenon requires serious attention from various parties, including the government, religious leaders, and the wider community.
Religious moments are highly anticipated by religious communities. Ramadan, for example, is a holy month for Muslims to strengthen their spirituality and social solidarity. However, this time is also frequently exploited by radical groups to spread extremist ideologies and carry out acts of terror. This raises concerns about potential security disturbances amid religious celebrations.
The government, through the Joint Ministerial Circular (SE) from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs, and Ministry of Religious Affairs, has implemented policies regarding school holidays during Ramadan 1446 H/2025 M. This circular, signed by the Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, and the Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, aims to give students the opportunity to observe religious practices and strengthen family bonds.
However, this policy must be balanced with strict security measures. Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, with his background as the former Chief of the Indonesian National Police, has experience in dealing with terrorism threats. Strategic measures such as increasing security patrols and intensively monitoring groups suspected of being radical are necessary.
Minister of Basic and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, stated that during the Eid al-Fitr holidays, students are expected to engage in family and community visits to strengthen brotherhood and unity. A circular on this matter has already been issued.
As one of the largest religious organizations in Indonesia, Muhammadiyah also plays a crucial role in addressing this issue. Through its Central Leadership (PP Muhammadiyah), the organization has set the beginning of Ramadan on March 1, 2025, based on the Global Unified Hijri Calendar (KHGT). In addition to ensuring uniformity in worship times, Muhammadiyah continues to promote the strengthening of religious moderation as an effort to combat radicalism.
Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Sergei Gennadievich Tolchenov, invited Minister of Religious Affairs, Nasaruddin Umar, to attend the Kazan Summit 2025. This invitation aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of religion and religious education. Ambassador Sergei revealed the interest of major Islamic organizations in Russia, such as the Spiritual Assembly of the Russian Federation, The Muslim Assembly, and The Mufti Council, in building closer ties with Indonesia, particularly in strengthening synergy to face global radicalism. Many countries come to Indonesia to study methods of de-radicalizing Islamic understanding, as radicalization has become a significant issue in many countries.
Radicalism and terrorism are not issues that emerge suddenly. Typically, extremist groups exploit gaps in social and political life to spread their ideologies. They often target younger people who are seen as more easily influenced. In this regard, education plays a crucial role in building critical awareness and strengthening national values.
It is also important to understand that radicalism is not only associated with certain religions. All religions have the potential to be misused by individuals or groups with specific agendas. Therefore, an inclusive approach based on interfaith dialogue must be continuously improved.
The religious moments of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr are often accompanied by an increase in economic activities, such as busy traditional markets and crowded homecoming trips. This situation can become an easy target for terrorist acts. Therefore, security at public places is heightened to prevent potential attacks.
In addition to physical security, the government is also increasing its surveillance of cyberspace. Radical groups often use social media to recruit new members and spread propaganda. With increasingly sophisticated technology, security forces must be able to effectively detect and counter these threats.
The involvement of religious figures such as Abdul Mu’ti and Nasaruddin Umar is also essential in addressing radicalism. As religious leaders, they have significant influence in shaping public opinion. Messages of peace from religious figures can serve as an effective countermeasure against the spread of extremist ideologies.
Meanwhile, religious organizations like Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) must continue to promote religious moderation programs. With an approach based on education and dialogue, these organizations can be at the forefront in combating radicalism.
The media must provide accurate and balanced information about radicalism and terrorism issues. Additionally, the media can be an educational tool to spread messages of tolerance and social harmony. Religious moments such as Ramadan are a time to strengthen brotherhood and national unity. With close cooperation between the government, religious leaders, and society, this threat can be overcome.
Ultimately, combating radicalism and terrorism is not the responsibility of one party alone. All elements of the nation must unite to maintain security and peace. Only through solid cooperation can Indonesia overcome this challenge and celebrate religious moments with full meaning.
)* The author is a student in Malang living in Jakarta
