Muslim youths go high-tech with Islamic propagation

By Yudha Kartohadiprodjo

JAKARTA (JP): Once seen as estranged, technology and religion are drawing closer together. In many cases, the credit goes to innovative young people.

Religion courting technology has been seen since the birth of radio and television stations in Indonesia decades ago. Today, all stations air a great variety of religious programming.

However, in the past couple of years, youths from various Islamic organizations have created many popular religious shows targeting younger audiences.

Customarily, during the holy month of Ramadhan the frequency of such religious shows increases, with new innovations each year.

This year, one of these innovations is offered by the Islamic Youth of Sunda Kelapa Mosque (RISKA). Established in 1975, RISKA is ready to embrace the technology of the Internet to propagate Islamic teachings.

The effort started two years ago when RISKA collaborated with an internet service provider to create an informational homepage on the net. The homepage contained the organization's history, address and other essential information.

RISKA's fling with technology did not stop with their homepage. Realizing the internet's potential, it also began an e- mail mailing list. The mailing list enabled RISKA to keep its members informed about upcoming events, publish articles and hold a virtual discussion forum; all with minimum effort, yet maximum efficiency.

Last year, RISKA started their virtual discussion forum. Held four times during last year's Ramadhan, the forum attracted young Indonesian Muslims from around the globe. Through a chat group already popular among the youths, the forum's participants typed questions and received answers in a matter of seconds.

"The forum had its own advantages. Its less intimidating environment makes many of the participants feel comfortable asking critical questions," said Dolly Deseka, who is responsible for the organization's data management. He added that on average there were 50 participants for each forum.

Dolly said that the most popular forum was the one discussing love and matchmaking.

Last year, RISKA also sold parcels through its homepage, but due to the monetary crisis this service will not be held this year.

RISKA's initial brush with technology started years before its experiments on the internet, with a radio talk show held during Ramadhan.

Claiming to be the innovators of such an event, RISKA started their show 15 years ago. Working with a youth radio station, the program, called Opera (Ramadhan Talk Show), was a success and was imitated by many other youth clubs.

Although the talk show's topics change every year, lately the topics have focused on contemporary Islamic life among metropolitan youths. A glimpse at RISKA's topic list for this year's program would show the diversity of interests of the show's listeners.

This year's show will be aired by 5 a sec radio station (105.4 FM) one hour prior to breaking of the fast every day during Ramadhan. The topics range from the fundamental Ramadhan theme of "Controlling Desires" to more general issues like "Preparing for The 21st Century". Other topics include the Islamic concept of economy, and Islam and culture.

In accordance to the current political conditions, one of the talk shows will discuss freedom of speech, of course in the context of the Muslim perspective.

The talk show will also feature guests from various backgrounds, such as ulema, psychologists and entrepreneurs.

The show will also feature well-known psychologist Sartono Mukadis in a show titled "Preparing for The 21st Century". The show will discuss what and how young Muslims can prepare to face the challenges of the coming millennium.

RISKA is not the only youth organization which will organize religious talk shows during Ramadhan. The Islamic Youth Study Club of Al-Azhar Mosque (YISC) in South Jakarta will also organize similar talk shows which will be aired by Trijaya FM (104.75). Unlike RISKA's shows, which will be aired just before breaking the fast, YISC's Odipus (conversation in the fasting month) will be aired during the pre-dawn meal time, between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.

The talk show will be hosted by members of the club who have received special training.

Some radio stations, like Prambors Rasisonia FM (102.3), will organize their own Ramadhan talk shows. Opus, the name of Prambors' show, will be held 45 minutes prior to the breaking of the fast, and will also target young Muslims. Ranked among the most popular youth radio stations in Jakarta, Prambors will air shows on popular topics like the current reform drive.

"What is the meaning of reform from the Islamic perspective? Is demonstrating an appropriate way to convey opinions? Such issues will be discussed on our show," said Nadia, the radio's public relations and promotions liaison.

According to Nadia, every year Prambors has received good reviews from both the audience and the show's advertisers. This year, the show will be sponsored by two brewery companies.

The courage to try something new, combined with the youths' religious devotion, seems to be an urge that most people take for granted. Opus, Opera and Odipus demonstrate how such drive can be directed toward constructive and educational efforts.