Regrets A Man's Action Destroying The Offerings, Deputy Minister Of Religion Urges The Public To Respect Religious Differences

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Religion (Wamenag) Zainut Tauhid Sa'adi regretted the action of a man who kicked an offering at the site of the eruption of Mount Semeru. The action was caught on a video and went viral on social media.

"This shows the dull sense of religious awareness in a pluralistic society," said Zainud to reporters, Thursday, January 13.

Zainut asserted that kicking offerings is a form of dishonorable behavior. Should, said Zainut, the man should respect the differences that exist in Indonesia.

"Whatever the reason, kicking offerings is a form of dishonorable action. We must be able to respect each other's differences, we cannot force everyone to have the same understanding and belief," he stressed.

Zainut emphasized that Indonesia is a country that has various tribes, customs, cultures, and religions. Therefore, tolerance is required.

"Tolerance is an attitude that shows an openness to accept, listen and respect other people who have different views and beliefs with us," he said.

Apart from tolerance, said Zainut, Islam also prohibits its followers from criticizing or insulting other religions. Including taking actions that lead to insults against other religions. In fact, Islam teaches da'wah in a good way.

"Islam teaches da'wah in a good way (ma'ruf), as well as preventing evil, it must be in a good way, not in an evil way," he explained.

Zainut also appreciated the police who moved quickly to hunt down the man. He hoped that the man who kicked the offering would be held accountable for his actions.

"I appeal to the public to remain calm, and not to take actions that can disrupt inter-religious harmony," he concluded.

It is known, a viral video with a duration of 30 seconds shows a man wearing a headgear and vest standing and then approaching an offering placed on the ground.

There are two offerings that can be seen, namely fruit and rice, each of which is in its container. Pointing to the offering, the man said: "This is what angers Allah. It is rare to realize that this is what invites Allah's wrath, until Allah sends down his punishment. Allahu Akbar," said the man.

A second later, the man threw away the fruit offering and kicked the rice offering to the ground.