CERITA ASN | Moderasi Beragama, Bukan Moderasi Agama

Summary

This conversation between Mr. Syafii and Mr. Aroih delves into the concept of religious moderation in Indonesia, especially during Ramadan. They clarify that religious moderation is not about liberalizing faith but rather balancing religious practices with tolerance and respect for diversity. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of harmony among religious communities in Indonesia, where religious teachings encourage balance and coexistence. The Ministry of Religious Affairs plays a central role in promoting this message through national programs, aiming for unity in a multicultural society while also addressing the challenges posed by modern technology and the internet.

Takeaways

• 😀 The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining health and devotion, especially during the month of Ramadan, which is crucial for increasing religious engagement.
• 😀 Religious moderation is misunderstood by some as liberalization or mixing of religions, but it is actually about acting in balance and tolerance within one's own faith.
• 😀 Islam teaches moderation, promoting balanced behavior without excess in both worldly and spiritual matters, such as balancing the pursuit of wealth and spiritual well-being.
• 😀 Moderation in religion is not a foreign concept or a Western project; it has been part of Islamic teachings since its inception.
• 😀 One key aspect of religious moderation is tolerance—believing in the truth of one's own faith while respecting the freedom of others to follow their own beliefs.
• 😀 Religious moderation is essential for national unity, especially in a diverse country like Indonesia, which respects all religions but does not favor one as the state religion.
• 😀 The rapid development of internet-based communication can spread both positive and negative information about religion, making it essential to promote tolerance in online discourse.
• 😀 Strengthening religious moderation has been officially prioritized in Indonesia's 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), with the Ministry of Religious Affairs leading the initiative.
• 😀 The government's commitment to strengthening religious moderation involves cooperation across various ministries, regional governments, and society as a whole.
• 😀 The Ministry of Religious Affairs is working to mainstream religious moderation, involving officials, religious leaders, and educational institutions in spreading its message from an early age.
• 😀 Training and socialization are crucial in promoting religious moderation, with the involvement of many actors, including religious figures, to influence their surrounding communities.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the conversation?

The main topic of the conversation is religious moderation, specifically in the context of Islam and Indonesia, and its role in promoting tolerance and harmony in society.

How does the conversation define religious moderation?

Religious moderation is defined as a balanced approach to practicing religion without being excessive, emphasizing tolerance, and respecting other faiths while maintaining the belief that one's own religion is true.

What common misconception about religious moderation is addressed in the conversation?

The conversation addresses the misconception that religious moderation is equivalent to religious liberalization, mixing religions, or diluting religious beliefs. This is clarified as a false assumption.

What Islamic teachings are referenced in support of religious moderation?

Islamic teachings encourage moderation and balance, such as maintaining a balance between worldly life and the hereafter, avoiding stinginess and wastefulness, and behaving in a balanced way in various aspects of life.

How does the conversation highlight the importance of tolerance in religious moderation?

The conversation emphasizes that while Muslims should believe in the truth of their faith, they should not force or intimidate others into accepting their religion. Religious moderation promotes peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among different faiths.

What role does the government play in promoting religious moderation in Indonesia?

The Indonesian government, particularly through the Ministry of Religious Affairs, is responsible for promoting religious moderation. It is part of the 2020-2024 RPJMN, with a legal framework established through Presidential Decree Number 58 of 2023 to guide and implement efforts across various government institutions.

What is the significance of Indonesia's Pancasila ideology in relation to religious moderation?

Pancasila is a state ideology that respects religious diversity and facilitates citizens in practicing their religious beliefs. It fosters tolerance, understanding, and peaceful coexistence, which is essential for religious moderation in a diverse society.

How has the Ministry of Religious Affairs integrated religious moderation into its policies?

The Ministry of Religious Affairs has integrated religious moderation into its policies by ensuring all echelons within the ministry, from central to regional levels, actively participate in promoting it. This includes socializing and training efforts that involve various stakeholders, including religious figures and educational institutions.

What are some of the challenges associated with the spread of religious moderation in Indonesia?

One challenge discussed is the potential negative influence of the internet, where some information may prioritize subjective truth claims rather than tolerance. This can pose a threat to the peaceful coexistence of religious communities.

How does religious moderation contribute to the unity and integrity of the nation?

Religious moderation contributes to national unity by fostering tolerance, reducing conflicts between religious communities, and promoting peaceful coexistence. This strengthens the overall harmony of the nation and supports its social and cultural diversity.