Religious Moderation: Jakarta’s Next Comedy Act?
So, Jakarta is apparently hosting a magic show where the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has waved its wand and—poof!—inter-religious conflicts are declining faster than your enthusiasm for a sitcom that predictably jumps the shark. According to BRIN’s esteemed head, Ahmad Najib Burhani, the Indonesian government’s promotion of religious moderation is doing a splendid job at reducing those spicy interfaith tensions.
Now, before we dive into what Burhani says, let’s have a quick glance at the context. Since the 2014 general elections, when political polarization had everyone at each other’s throats like they were skirmishing in a reality TV show, the fears of a religious polarization renaissance were looming large. And yes, it did happen again—like a sequel nobody asked for—but thankfully, on a smaller scale this time. A bit like that annoying friend who insists on tagging along but remains silent the whole evening.
Burhani attributes this newfound harmony to several key factors: the disbandment of radical organizations such as Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI). Who knew that sending a few groups packing would keep the peace better than any government missive? One might wonder if some of those disbanded members are now taking a breather in comedy clubs, the ultimate therapy for conflict resolution. Meanwhile, the reconciliation between Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto could have garnered an audience on its own—who doesn’t love a good political drama with a fair share of plot twists?
But let’s not count our chickens before they hatch. Burhani emphasizes that simply putting out the flames isn’t nearly enough. The government needs to kick it up a notch by reinforcing the principles of maslahah—that’s Arabic for “let’s make the world a better place” with a side of shared prosperity. Imagine this: policies aimed at benefiting all religious communities, like a potluck dinner where everyone actually brings their A-game. That’s the dream, folks—less like a dodgy buffet where someone inevitably finds a hair in their salad.
The maslahah concept is pretty neat. It channels the essence of Islamic jurisprudence, insisting decisions should prioritize the greater good of maintaining religion, self, offspring, property, and the environment. So, the mantra is basically “don’t be a jerk and think of your neighbors.”
And here’s where the plot thickens: Burhani has integrated this noble strategy into Indonesia’s Long-term National Development Plan (RPJPN) for 2025-2045. It’s a bit like setting up a long-term subscription model for harmony—only, in this case, the service includes peace, cooperation, and the occasional interfaith potluck.
As the nation approaches its centenary in 2045, Burhani hopes these efforts will help achieve their “Golden Indonesia Vision”. You’ve got to hand it to them; they’re aiming high. It’s like when you promise your family you’ll finally stop taking selfies during family gatherings. Will it happen? Who knows!
In conclusion, while BRIN’s report seems to suggest that Indonesia is on the right track—more or less—towards nurturing religious harmony, it’s essential to keep the momentum going. Peace isn’t a permanent state; it’s a challenge that requires constant effort—kinda like my New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier. With a pinch of humor and a great deal of candor, let’s keep our fingers crossed, our minds open, and maybe catch a few laughs along the way!
For more insightful updates, check out related news on ministries collaborating to bolster religious moderation in universities and Indonesia as a success story in unity and tolerance. You might even get a chuckle or two!
Jakarta (ANTARA) – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has confirmed that the Indonesian government’s efforts to promote religious moderation have led to a significant reduction in inter-religious conflicts across the nation.
Ahmad Najib Burhani, who leads BRIN’s Social and Humanities Studies Research Organization, pointed out that there has been a steady decline in interfaith tensions following the political polarization that marked the 2014 general elections, which initially sparked fears of religious conflicts.
“After the 2014 elections, there were widespread concerns about a resurgence of religious polarization. Although we did witness some tensions emerge again, they were considerably less severe than in 2014. This trend can largely be attributed to the government’s effective promotion of religious moderation,” Burhani remarked during a public discussion on Wednesday.
He also noted that the disbanding of fundamentalist groups such as Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) and the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), coupled with the reconciliation between political figures Joko Widodo and Prabowo Subianto, has played a crucial role in easing interfaith tensions throughout Indonesia.
Burhani emphasized that merely resolving conflicts is insufficient; the government must take more proactive measures to reinforce religious harmony. This includes embracing the principle of “Religious maslahah,” which focuses on actions that yield benefits for all religious communities involved.
“This concept represents our commitment to harness religious values to achieve common good and societal prosperity,” Burhani explained, highlighting its importance in fostering mutual understanding among diverse faiths.
He elaborated that the “Religious maslahah” concept is rooted in Islamic jurisprudence, indicating that public policies should serve the interests of religion, individuals, their families, property, and the environment.
Significantly, this principle has been incorporated into the Long-term National Development Plan (RPJPN) for the period between 2025 and 2045, illustrating the government’s dedication to strengthening interfaith relations.
Looking ahead, Burhani expressed hope that these initiatives would further enhance interfaith harmony in Indonesia, contributing to the overarching goal of prosperity and the realization of the Golden Indonesia Vision by the nation’s centenary in 2045.
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