Minister Of Religion On Religion For Practical Politics: Religion Becomes A Source Of Inspiration, Not Aspiration

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. (ANTARA/HO-Kemenag)

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion (Menag) Yaqut Cholil Qoumas hopes that no one will use religion as a tool for practical politics, considering that the 2024 simultaneous regional elections process will begin soon.

"If (religion) is used as a tool for politics, this will be worrying, the conflict will occur," said Minister of Religion Yaqut at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday, September 2, which was confiscated by Antara.

Minister of Religion Yaqut said that in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) when appointing him as Minister of Religion, he said that religion must be a source of inspiration, not aspirations.

This means that it keeps away all politicizations that use religious values. "Because, it will be very dangerous. It is very dangerous. Religion is very sensitive," he said.

According to him, in the process of democracy, both the presidential, regional and legislative elections, all of them lead to look for the best candidates in leading. Therefore, the process must also be carried out in a good way, not using things that can break unity and integrity.

"If you are looking for the best, of course, the process must also be good and do not have to use negative and destructive methods," said Minister of Religion Yaqut.

The simultaneous regional elections in 2024 to elect governors, regents, mayors and deputys will begin soon. In the 2024 Pilkada, there are stages and schedules that have been set by the General Elections Commission (KPU).

Now the KPU has implemented the registration stages for candidate pairs in the 2024 Pilkada which will take place in 37 provinces and 508 regencies/cities in Indonesia.

As for the stages of the simultaneous 2024 Pilkada voting, it will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2024.