By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The re-emergence of intolerant actions in society poses a serious threat to the integrity and peace of the nation. In the context of a country that upholds the principle of diversity like Indonesia, all forms of rejection of diversity, whether religious, cultural, or traditional, need to be fought with collective awareness and state assertiveness. The call for society not to be easily provoked by intolerant movements is now very relevant and urgent.
The General Chairperson of the United Indonesian Archipelago Fighters (PNIB), Wasis Nugroho, known as Gus Wal, expressed a strong stance against all forms of intolerant actions that disrupt religious harmony. He considered that the prohibition on people of other religions from worshiping or establishing religious educational institutions, including schools based on certain beliefs, was a violation of the law. This was considered contrary to the basic principles of the constitution which guarantees freedom of religion as a basic right of every citizen.
According to Gus Wal’s view, perpetrators of intolerance often hide their ideological agendas behind religious issues. Transnational ideologies such as Wahabi, Khilafah, and Terrorism are said to often infiltrate through movements rejecting legitimate religious activities. These groups, although small in number, are considered to have the ability to create social tension by manipulating religious sentiments. The public is reminded not to be provoked by this kind of provocation, but must unite in the spirit of nationalism in order to maintain peace and the integrity of the nation.
This firm stance is in line with the government’s concrete steps in responding to the increasingly real dangers of intolerance. The Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) together with the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) have officially signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) as a form of strengthening cooperation in preventing radicalism and intolerance. This signing is a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was previously agreed upon by the two institutions, as a form of joint commitment to maintaining national stability.
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Religious Affairs views this cooperation agreement as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen synergy between state institutions. The collaboration is aimed at ensuring that the implementation of the constitutional mandate takes place optimally and is free from influences that can undermine state security. In a situation where the number of State Civil Apparatus (ASN) continues to increase from more than 280 thousand currently to 400 thousand in 2025, preventing intolerance is a major challenge that must be faced systematically and in a structured manner.
Not only at the central level, efforts to stem the spread of radicalism are also being intensified in the regions, especially areas prone to infiltration of extreme ideologies. In Poso Regency, Task Force II Preemptive Operation Madago Raya continues to increase its preemptive approach through visiting local religious figures. During the visit, the Da’i Polri team invited religious figures to continue spreading the values of tolerance and strengthening the spirit of unity between religious communities.
One of the visits was conducted by a police officer who conveyed the importance of maintaining the resilience of the nation’s ideology by strengthening cooperation between security forces and religious leaders. Community leaders in the regions are considered to have a strategic role in reducing provocation and protecting society from the influence of separatist and intolerant groups. Activities such as this are proof that state officials are actively present in building an inclusive social foundation and maintaining peace at the grassroots level.
In the context of the rapid development of information technology, intolerant groups also often use social media as a means of spreading hate narratives. Provocative content that pits religious and ethnic groups against each other is often packaged under the pretext of defending religious values, when in fact it contains dangerous political and ideological agendas. For this reason, digital literacy and the ability to sort information are important aspects that every citizen must have so as not to fall into the trap of radical group propaganda.
In facing this situation, society is expected to be more intelligent and vigilant. The spirit of mutual cooperation in maintaining unity must continue to be strengthened, as the values of Pancasila are rooted in national life. Efforts to maintain tolerance are not only the task of the government or security forces alone, but the collective obligation of all Indonesian people. The differences in beliefs, cultures, and languages that this nation has are not a threat, but a wealth that should be celebrated in a spirit of brotherhood.
As a nation built on the foundation of diversity, Indonesia must not give any space to hate ideologies and groups that want to replace the national system with transnational ideology. The struggle to protect this country from intolerant groups is part of the national jihad that must be brought to life by all levels of society.
Now is the time for all components of the nation from religious figures, traditional figures, officials, educators, to youth to unite in a solid line to maintain Indonesia as a peaceful, just, and tolerant country. Diversity is not a problem, but a strength. And maintaining diversity is the most real form of love for the homeland.
*) Observer of radicalism movements
