Polri's Densus 88 provides religious moderation training for 48 former JI members
Maintaining harmony and religious moderation cannot be achieved instantly; it must be a continuous and sustained effort.
Palembang (ANTARA) - The South Sumatra Regional Task Force of the Indonesian National Police’s Densus 88 Anti-Terror unit is providing training on religious moderation to 48 former members of Jamaah Islamiyah (JI).
Following a seminar organised by the Densus 88 Anti-Terror unit in Palembang on Wednesday, the Head of the Regional Office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs for South Sumatra, Syafitri Irwan, expressed deep appreciation to Densus 88 for initiating the activity.
According to him, nurturing harmony and an understanding of religious moderation is not a one-off agenda, but a process that must be carried out continuously and sustainably.
“We express our utmost appreciation to Densus 88. Maintaining harmony and religious moderation cannot be done instantly, but must be sustainable and continuous,” Syafitri stated.
Furthermore, he explained that the Ministry of Religious Affairs remains committed to strengthening religious moderation at all levels, ranging from enhancing the insights of civil servants (ASN) to the guidance of the general public. This commitment has yielded tangible results, with the national Religious Harmony Index (KUB) showing consistent year-on-year improvements.
He reminded the audience of the inherent nature of Indonesia’s diversity. He noted that differences in tribe, ethnicity, geography, and background are part of the nation’s destiny, designed not for mutual hostility, but for mutual recognition (lita’arafu) and completion within the framework of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity).
“God created us different not to hate or be enemies, but to know one another. Foreign citizens are very impressed with Indonesia, which is separated by islands, tribes, and languages, yet possesses a very strong root of unity. Our nation’s founders fought hard to bind Indonesia together until Bhinneka Tunggal Ika was born,” he said.
Syafitri added that critical thinking and corrections regarding the nation’s journey are positive for national progress, provided they are delivered constructively and do not damage unity.
“Criticism and protest are good for the progress of a country. A country will not advance if it is not criticised. However, do not let our criticism and protests destroy the framework of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. What is judged before God is not difference, but our level of piety and righteousness,” he explained.
The Regional Head emphasised that the awareness of maintaining harmony and understanding religious moderation is intended for all elements of society without exception, in order to safeguard the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.