Build NTT, Governor Viktor Invites MUI To Think Progressively Not To Live In A Narrow Religious Cave

NTT Governor Viktor B Laiskodat (second right) talks with the Chair of the NTT MUI for the 2021-2025 period, Muhamad S. Wongso (ANTARA)

KUPANG - East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat (VBL) asked the NTT Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to develop a way of thinking that is advanced or progressive and abandons narrow and sectarian thoughts.

"We have to give a new color to Indonesia. At a time when our Indonesian way of thinking, in my opinion, is starting to fade at this time, the NTT MUI must be able to produce more progressive thoughts. I continue to encourage the ulama, intellectuals and the government in NTT to think ahead and visionary," said VBL when receiving the NTT MUI board for the 2021-2025 period at the Governor's Office in Kupang City, Antara, Wednesday, January 5.

The governor invited the NTT MUI management to give up narrow thinking in the name of religion and discredit others. Such is the way of thinking of religious people who live in caves.

"People who live in caves live in compartments. They don't want to associate with others. Many NTT people still live in caves like this. They build their lives in caves of their own culture, living in their religious caves and in a hedonic lifestyle without solidarity. with other people," he said.

According to him, the people who live in this cave do not know how to think ahead. An example of this way of thinking about living in a cave, for example, is that Christians should not say Merry Eid to Muslims and vice versa, Muslims should not wish Christians Merry Christmas.

According to VBL, the highest pious person and the deepest believer, must have the principle of benefit or be useful for others. Religious people must be knowledgeable to give birth to moral thoughts.

“Thoughts that make us smart and advanced are born from various groups and different backgrounds. It doesn't come from just one group. From the west, the east, the moderate line, the Catholic line, the reform line, the Muslim line and even from the animist group," said Viktor.

The Governor of VBL also has high hopes for the new management of the NTT MUI, which is a harmonious blend of NU and Muhamadyah. Also with diverse professional backgrounds, both scholars, scholars, bureaucrats, entrepreneurs and various other professions. There were also many young people in it.

“With this collaboration, the NTT MUI must give birth to modern and advanced thinking that can be contributed to community development. The inclusion of administrators with other professional backgrounds, apart from ulama, is of course intended so that MUI can become more beneficial for the welfare of the people or society, both physically and spiritually. I also ask the NTT MUI not to be afraid to be critical. If it's wrong, say it's wrong. The NTT MUI must be able to make a positive contribution to the Indonesian MUI, especially in building the values of diversity," said Viktor.

Meanwhile, the Chair of the NTT MUI for the 2021-2025 period, Muhamad S. Wongso, emphasized that the NTT MUI is ready to come out of the cave and join hands and synergize with various parties to realize NTT Rise Towards a Prosperous Society.

“The NTT MUI as a partner of the provincial government is ready to provide support and be involved in the development of natural resources, such as fisheries and marine resources, to improve the economy of the NTT community, especially in the coastal area, develop tourism, support the TJPS program and deal with stunting. We also invite the governor and deputy governor to attend the inauguration ceremony for the NTT MUI management on January 17," said Mad Wongso.