Mustofa Bisri's Message to Yaqut Cholil Qoumas Don't Corrupt in Memory of Today, December 25, 2020

JAKARTA - Today's memory, five years ago, December 25, 2020, the Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas met with Islamic scholar, Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus) at the Raudlatut Thalibin Leteh Islamic Boarding School, Rembang, Central Java. Gus Mus also advised Yaqut not to be corrupt.

Previously, Yaqut was known as a figure who was critical of religious life in Indonesia. He was active in criticizing the government if it tried to polarize Islam. Later Yaqut was also trusted to be the Minister of Religion by President Jokowi.

Yaqut's track record as a Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) figure is unquestionable. He once led the Ansor GP in the 2015-2020 era. His leadership was able to bring the Ansor GP critical with all kinds of government policies for the benefit of the people.

When there is a policy that is considered harmful and inclined to religious polarization, Yaqut will oppose it. Take for example when the government wants to ban the use of veils and cingkrang pants. The Ministry of Religion is considered to have no work so it manages the civil service apparatus (ASN) appearance.

Yaqut considers that it is impossible to judge someone as radical just from the way of dressing. Yaqut is also active in voicing concerns about diversity. This condition makes Yaqut's popularity soar. As a result, President Jokowi appointed him as the new Minister of Religion on December 23, 2020.

Yaqut also admitted that he was happy with the position. He tried to maintain President Jokowi's trust. He began to map the problems that existed in the Ministry of Religion. He began to discuss a series of activities related to efforts to strengthen relations between religious people.

He wants to keep diversity in Indonesia maintained. Moreover, the goal of the presence of the Ministry of Religion is to embrace all religions. This message was then conveyed by Yaqut on Christmas Day on December 25, 2020.

Yaqut also promised to protect all believers. In fact, Yaqut does not care if the person adheres to the Ahmadiyah or Shia currents.

"Once again, as citizens, not Shiite or Ahmadiyah worshippers, because all citizens are equal in the eyes of the law. This must be clear. There is no statement that I protect the organization or group of Shiites and Ahmadiyah. My attitude as Menag protects them as citizens," said Yaqut as quoted by the ANTARA website, December 25, 2020.

Yaqut then tried to sowan to Islamic scholars and other ulama on December 25, 2020. Yaqut visited the Raudlatut Thalibin Leteh Islamic Boarding School, Rembang, Central Java. He then met Gus Mus.

Gus Mus also admitted that he was happy with Yaqut who served as the new Minister of Religion. However, Yaqut did not only get praise. He also received an important admonition from Gus Mus. Gus Mus advised Yaqut in carrying out the Ministry of Religion not to be corrupt and colluding.

Gus Mus emphasized that being the Minister of Religion must be full of trust and responsibility. This condition is because the Ministry of Religion is the guardian of diversity in Indonesia and this image must not be damaged due to corruption. Gus Mus has another message. He also advised Yaqut to embrace all parties.

"It doesn't matter what his background is, what group, religion, and race. We all invite you to love Indonesia together," said Gus Mus as quoted by the nu.or.id page, December 25, 2020.