Azan Uses Running Text During Pope Francis Mass, GPII: In Accordance With Indonesian Values

Pope Francis arrived at Soetta Airport, Tangerang, picked up by Toyota Innova Zenix, Tuesday, September 3, 2024. (doc Indonesia Papal Visit Committee)

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Islamic Youth Movement (GPII) said the Ministry of Religion's (Kemenag) appeal regarding the broadcasting of the call to use running text during the Grand Mass led by Pope Francis on Thursday, September 5 was in accordance with the values adopted by the Indonesian nation.

"The message from the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia regarding the broadcasting of the call to prayer using running text is in accordance with the Indonesian values that we have been supporting," said GPII Central Chair Masri Ikoni in his official statement, Wednesday, September 4, which was confiscated by Antara.

According to him, the Ministry of Religion does not prohibit the broadcasting of the call to prayer during the Grand Mass, but tries to adjust the two important moments of Islam and Catholicism, in this case the call to prayer and mass, so that they can run in harmony and uphold the values of tolerance.

Masri said the Ministry of Religion had fully submitted broadcast techniques to the Ministry of Communication and Information (Kemenkominfo). He believes that the Ministry of Communication and Information has prepared better social broadcasting techniques.

"It is even possible that the Ministry of Communication and Information can prepare better broadcasting techniques, not only running text," he said.

Masri views the Ministry of Religion's appeal regarding the notification of the Maghrib call to prayer time with running text during the Grand Mass which was led by Pope Francis in Jakarta to prioritize the values of rahmatan lil alamin as a noble teaching of Islam adhered to religious and diversity.

"I can feel how solemn worship is for Catholics throughout Indonesia. The solemnity of that atmosphere, part of freedom and religious rights, so that they can worship as religious people who live in Indonesia," he said.

Masri asked the Ministry of Religion's appeal not to be used as a polemic that could trigger divisions and damage religious tolerance.

"Keep the religious harmony that has been built so far, remains cool and peaceful within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia and Pancasila," he said.

It is known, the Ministry of Religion issued an appeal that television stations are pleased to broadcast the Maghrib call to prayer in the form of running text when live broadcast of the mass service led by Pope Francis at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, Thursday, September 5 tomorrow.

This is in accordance with a letter submitted by the Director General of Catholic Community Guidance and the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion to the Directorate General of Post and Information Technology of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology dated September 1, 2024.

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

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.