President Jokowi and General Chairman of PBNU Discuss the Strengthening of Radical Islam

President Jokowi has lunch with the Chairman of PBNU K.H. Said Aqil Siraj, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/1) afternoon (Photo: JAY/PR)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo had a lunch with the Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Council (PBNU) K.H. Said Aqil Siraj at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/1) afternoon. On this occasion, they discussed a number of issues, among others, the strengthening of radical Islam lately as well as the problem of intolerance.“The indication of the strengthening of radical Islam becomes part of our agenda. The current task is to strengthen moderate Islam,” Said told reporters after the lunch.

The Chairman of PBNU said that the world sees the majority of Islam adherents in Indonesia are moderate, tolerant, as well as dignified. However, lately, these aspects are getting weak and the signs of religious intolerance are getting stronger.“This problem must be solved so Indonesia will be back to its previous condition which is tolerant, peaceful, civilized, and dignified. Likewise, the people will see that Islam is friendly,” Said further said.

He suggested the Government to involve the kyai (clerics) so that in their teachings they guide the people to be back to moderate, tolerant, civilized, as well as friendly Islam.

Said ensured that the kyai of NU, whether they are asked or not, must extended the noble morals according to Islamic teaching (akhlakul karimah). They must give lectures that make the situation peaceful, not triggering conflicts. “I guarantee,” Said firmly stated. (JAY/ES)(MMB/YM/Naster)