Minister Of Religion Yaqut Reminds ASN Of Ministry Of Religion Not To Get Involved In Practical Politics

Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas reminded all State Civil Apparatuses (ASN) in the Ministry of Religion's work environment not to get involved in practical politics.

"I convey to all ASN of the Ministry of Religion not to become or involve themselves in practical politics," said Minister of Religion Yaqut quoted by ANTRA, Tuesday, 28 February.

Yaqut said that ahead of the political year, certain parties often use religious issues as a backbone, as happened in the previous general election.

Reflecting on previous experience, he said, there were complaints from the public to the Ministry of Religion who found ASN involved in the campaign. Therefore, he asked ASN to focus on working in providing the best service to the community.

"Be careful with issues of religion that are mixed up with politics. There are many experiences, notes, and public complaints to the Ministry of Religion where ASNs are involved in campaigns. Let's just concentrate on work and enthusiasm to provide the best service to the community," he said.

To his staff, the Minister of Religion advised to always maintain the integrity and never betray the oath of office.

He quoted President Joko Widodo's directive that ASN serves the community, not being served.

"I don't want anyone to be a traitor to the oath of office, let alone use power to enrich oneself, for oneself, and for one's family," said the Minister of Religion.

Previously, the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) called on administrators to sterilize mosques from practical political activities during the month of Ramadan.

"Ramadan echoes are maximized to build peace and piety so that all mosques, prayer rooms, and mushala are sterilized from the tug of war between political interests and interests of politics," said DMI Chairman Jusuf Kalla.