PBNU Agrees On Television Not Distributing Azan Maghrib During Pope Francis' Grand Mass

Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) Executive Board Ulil Abshar Abdallah. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - PBNU chairman Ulil Abshar Abdalla supports the Ministry of Religion's proposal to request that television stations not broadcast the call to prayer audio during the mass led by Pope Francis in Jakarta, Thursday, September 4.

"I also support the Ministry of Religion's recommendation to television stations not to broadcast the call to prayer, audio as usual, which we watch every day on our television," Ulil said when confirmed, quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 4.

Previously, the Ministry of Religion issued an appeal that television stations were pleased to broadcast the Maghrib call to prayer in the form of running text when live broadcast the mass service led by Pope Francis later.

The letter also appealed to all national television to broadcast live and not cut off the mass service led by Pope Francis tomorrow.

The Ministry of Religion also reminded that the azan Maghrib, which may take place on the sidelines of the mass service, will still be broadcast.

However, the Ministry of Religion appealed to the broadcast of the Maghrib call to do it by running text or text running that appears on the television screen.

Responding to the letter, Ulil views that the appeal was made as a form of respect for Catholics who are worshiping.

"To honor the worship of Catholics who are being broadcast live from 17.00 to 19.00," he said.

He also supports the live broadcast of the Catholic Mass at Gelora Bung Karno, Jakarta, through television stations. This is a kind of support for Catholics who receive the visit of their supreme leader, namely the Pope.

"I appreciate the Ministry of Religion's policy, in this case Bimas Islam and Bimas Catholic," he said.

According to him, the Ministry of Religion's policy shows the state's appreciation for Catholics.

This is in line with the statement of the Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas who emphasized that the Ministry of Religion does not only belong to Muslims but also to all religions.

"The Ministry of Religion does not only belong to Muslims, but also belongs to all religions. I am happy and support the Ministry of Religion's policy this time which is very tolerant and appreciates Catholics," he said.