NU: The Spread of radicalism-extremism continues to threaten young generation

Jakarta, NU Online

The General Chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) KH Said Aqil Siroj (Kiai Said) highlighted the spread of radical and extreme ideological revivals which are considered to continue to threaten Indonesia's young generation. As a deterrent, there are at least three long-term strategies that the government could implement in collaboration with Muslim scholars (ulama).

 

Kiai Said made the remarks at the 2021 Santri Day Mandate and 1000 Khatmil Qur'an which marked the peak event of the 2021 National Santri Day commemoration, Friday (10/22/2021).

 

“Firstly, the importance of promoting Pancasila and Citizenship Education in schools, universities, and community education institutions. Radicalization generally takes place among teenagers. Therefore, citizenship education that is oriented towards instilling awareness of the history and nationality of Alhusunnah wal Jamaah (Aswaja) is considered to be able to strengthen the spirit of nationalism," said Kiai Said.

 

According to Kiai Said, the curriculum, teaching materials, as well as teachers and lecturers of civic education who understand the spirit of Islam will be the direction of Indonesia's transformation towards a country that upholds civility and religious values.

 

“Secondly, religious education in schools and universities must teach Islam within the framework of upholding the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Therefore, periodic monitoring and evaluation by the government must be seriously carried out," said Kiai Said in the hybrid event.

 

"The quality of the teachers must continue to be improved, while the material being taught is really directed so that it does not conflict with the basic principles of Indonesian nationality," he continued.

 

Thirdly, Kiai Said continued, intensively encouraging ulama and Islamic political figures to disseminate peaceful and moderate Islamic teachings within the framework of the ideology of Pancasila.

 

According to him, in the current situation, jihad must be seen as an ethical message of humanity in Islam to realize and defend common interests.

 

"The government needs to work together with religious leaders in socializing that the use of violence in the concept of jihad must be understood substantively and contextually," said the leader of the Pesantren Luhur Al-Tsaqafah, Ciganjur, South Jakarta.

 

For Kiai Said, the spirit of nationalism among teenagers must be pumped up again. Departing from the character of the Islamization of the archipelago which is open and also willing to accept the virtues of other groups is a separate leadership achievement of the ulama.

 

“This attitude is not only able to avoid violence but also able to build opportunities to understand Islam openly," the doctoral graduate of the Ummul Qura University of Makkah Saudi Arabia said.

 

Contributor: Nuriel Shiami Indiraphasa
 

Editor: Sudarto Murtaufiq