What Is The Real Meaning Of Criminalizing Religious Figures? This Is Mahfud's Explanation

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political and Legal Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD straightened out the meaning of the term criminalization that is often used by the public. Moreover, the term echoed after the emergence of a series of cases of violence against clerics in various regions.

"The term criminalization is wrong," said Mahfud in a video statement, Sunday, September 26.

According to Mahfud, the use of the term criminalization is not appropriate. Because in this series of clerics actually become victims of real crimes.

"If you criminalize an ulema or ustad, it means that the ulema or ustad did not carry out any activities and then they are accused of committing a criminal act. That is called criminalization," he said.

"What has happened recently is that people who are called ustad or figures or places of worship have become victims of a real criminal act. So they cannot be considered criminalizing religious figures," continued Mahfud.

With such issues, Mahfud asked the entire community not to be affected. Because the issue only has an impact on the division of the nation and state.

"Therefore, we must be careful, the apparatus is careful, the public is also careful not to be provoked. We must maintain the integrity and peace in this country," said Mahfud.

For information, there have been cases of attacks on religious leaders in a number of areas, such as the case of an Ustaz Abu Syahid Chaniago who was beaten by an unknown man (OTK) while giving a religious lecture and remembrance at the Baitussakur Mosque, Batuampar, Batam, a few days ago.

Then the shooting of Ustadz Marwan alias Alex to death on Jalan Gempol, Cipete Village, Pinang District, Tangerang City and the burning of the pulpit of the Great Mosque of Makassar on Jalan Masjid Raya, Bontoala, Makassar City by an unknown man, this Saturday.

"The government deeply regrets these incidents, and condemns the perpetrators," said the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs