M Julnis Firmansyah, Jakarta – Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) politician Mardani Ali Sera contradicted the Mosque anti-politicization movement supported by pro Joko Widodo (Jokowi) volunteers by stating that Mosques were always the center of civilization for economic, social, and political affairs in the Islamic Prophet's era.
However, Mardani does not agree with using Mosques as a venue for political campaigns; "However, I agree that low-level politics such as campaigns must be avoided," said Mardani yesterday in a phone interview with Tempo.
Mardani argued that several political matters that are allowed to be discussed in Mosques include sermons that is oriented to side with the Dhuafa (poor) and is against tyranny.
Secondly, he agrees that sermons commenting on President Jokowi's leadership can be discussed in Mosques although it must be fair and refers to credible data that would lead the sermon into a healthy and positive discourse.
"Don't ever think that Mosque congregations are dumb, because that is that what is being disassociated from politics," Mardani explained.
The anti-politicization of Mosques movement was formed after the heated 2017 Jakarta Gubernatorial Election. The movement then garnered support from the national movement of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) volunteers.