Jakarta – A spokesman for the Ministry of Religious Affairs has denied reports on social media claiming that it will require khatib, or Islamic preachers, to obtain certification before they are allowed to address Friday sermons.

The story also contains information on the supposed benefits government-certified preachers would be entitled to receive.

"I can confirm that the information on the khatib certification that went viral on social media is a hoax," Religious Affairs Ministry spokesman Mastuki said in a press release on Monday (06/02).

He said the ministry will not implement any requirement for certification, or interfere with sermon materials.

The idea of certifying preachers came from the public, as the ministry is currently studying the possibility, Mastuki said, as quoted in a report by state-run news agency Antara.

The spokesman said such standards would require a preacher to have a qualification or minimum competency to conduct sermons but that only ulemas can establish such requirements.

"Only the ulemas have the authority or jurisdiction to standardize the competencies a preacher should possess to address a congregation during Friday prayers. The ministry is only a facilitator," Mastuki said.

The ministry previously invited top figures from the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Muhammadiyah and other Islamic organizations to discuss the matter. However, it is still discussing their inputs.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/islamic-preacher-certification-hoax-religious-affairs-ministry/