Minister Of Religion Reminds Dangers Of Exclusive Nationalism Can Create Splits

Minister of Religion Nasaruddin Umar reminded about the dangers of exclusive nationalism that can lead to divisions so that it needs to be encouraged by inclusive nationalism to become the main foundation in caring for the diversity of the nation.

"Excluding nationalism will only give birth to segregation. We need inclusive nationalism that is able to integrate diversity without negating religious, cultural, or ethnic identity," said the Minister of Religion as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, July 30.

The Minister of Religion said this at the National Dialogue of Islamic Organizations and Islamic OKP held by the Directorate of Islamic Religious Information, Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance of the Ministry of Religion in Jakarta.

Nasaruddin explained that the inclusive nationalism carried by Indonesia is different from ethnic or religious-based nationalism, such as those developed in several other countries.

Indonesian nationalism stands on the spirit of Pancasila which accommodates all elements of society without discrimination.

"Islam is not from Indonesia, Hindus are not from Indonesia, not Christians. But all of them can grow in the context of Indonesian culture. This is where the importance of the process of indonesianization of teachings, not Arabicization, not indication, not westernization," he said.

According to him, the current global geopolitical challenges are actually testing the toughness of national values.

When many countries experience identity fragmentation, he said, Indonesia has succeeded in maintaining integrity thanks to the foundations of diversity that are maintained through an inclusive and moderate approach.

The Minister of Religion gave an example of women in Indonesia having wider access and public roles than in countries in the Middle East region.

"Our traditional markets, sellers and buyers are many women. Our mosque can also be filled together. This cannot be forced with a rigid textual approach, but it must be contextual," he said.

In the Islamic context, the Grand Imam of the Istiqlal Mosque also emphasized that Indonesia is known to the world as a model of moderate Islam that is peaceful, tolerant, and able to dialogue with democracy.

"Islam Indonesia is not a suburban Islam. In fact, we are a new light from the east which has succeeded in bringing together faith, culture and humanity," he said.

Nasaruddin alluded to the importance of geopolitical and geostrategic awareness in maintaining the sustainability of the country.

According to him, geopoliticals should not be released from geodemography and geobudaya.

Indonesia has geographical benefits and cultural plurality that must be managed with a strong national vision.

Inclusive nationalism, he continued, is not only the duty of the state, but also the responsibility of the people.

The Minister of Religion said religion should be a positive energy to care for unity, not a divisive political tool of identity.