JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD asked religious institutions and religious leaders to play an active role in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic with the government.
He conveyed this when he was present in a virtual dialogue and gathering with ulama and religious leaders on Thursday, July 15 yesterday.
"We must continue to try to be healthy, follow the prophet's way, if there is an epidemic, the prophet said that those from outside should not enter, those inside should not go out, so as not to infect each other," said Mahfud in his written statement, Friday, July 16.
According to him, ulama and religious leaders have an important role in fighting COVID-19. They can campaign about the pandemic that is hitting various countries, not only in Indonesia.
In addition, religious leaders can campaign for awareness of the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic to the public. He appreciated a number of scholars who had done this through a short video which then went viral on social media such as Ustadz Das'ad Latief from Makassar and Tuan Guru Bajang from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).
"Short videos like the one distributed on social media are very effective in giving understanding to the people and the public," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).
"Things like that are expected from religious institutions, from religious leaders so that we can handle the pandemic more easily," added Mahfud.
In addition, Mahfud asked the public or anyone who does not believe in COVID-19 to continue to comply with health protocols, including staying at home. He even quoted Tuan Guru Bajang's message from the video containing the rules of fiqh in dealing with the plague.
"La dharara wala dhirara, don't harm yourself and don't harm others," he said, imitating the message.
Furthermore, Mahfud then hoped that all parties would move quickly so that the COVID-19 pandemic could soon pass.
"Let's save together, we take quick steps so that the epidemic passes quickly," he stressed.
Present at the meeting, which was initiated by the office of the Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP), were Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Efendi, Habib Jindan bin Novel bin Salim Jindan, Prof. Dr. Azyumardi Azra, Kiai Haji Ustadz Das'ad Latif, Gus Muwafiq, and Nyai Badriyah. Fayumi.
In addition to this, Kiai Haji Cholil Nafis, Ustadz Yusuf Mansur, Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah Abdul Mu'ti, Gus Reza Ahmad Zahid, and Prof. Dr. Masyitoh Chusnan were also present in this activity.
Meanwhile, UIN Jakarta Professor Azyumardi Azra asked the government to provide clear guidance regarding the handling of the pandemic to religious organizations and religious assemblies. According to him, the role of these two organizations is important, especially for their people or congregations.
The Secretary of PP Muhammadiyah, Abdul Mu'ti, also emphasized the same thing. He asked the government regulations related to religious rituals such as Eid al-Adha to be clear.
"There should not be misinterpreted statements. Clear intentions and sincere intentions from the government must be in accordance with religious guidance and health protocols, so that there is no impression that the government restricts freedom of worship and does not cause controversy in the community," said Abdul Mu'ti.
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