Amirullah, Jakarta – Indonesia's largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has called on the government to address radicalism issues by, among others, monitoring the development of religious sects that could harm the nation's unity.

"The government through the Religious Ministry must serve an active role in addressing religious radicalism issues," NU Central Executive Board chairman Said Aqil Siroj said in West Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, on Saturday, November 25.

Said delivered the statement in a speech as one of the recommendations in the Ulema National Congress and NU Conference held on November 23, 2017. The recommendations were handed over to Vice President Jusuf Kalla who closed the event.

The government, Said suggested, must be assertive in addressing the radicalism issue, while preserving the humanity approach. Therefore, Said emphasized the need of a national strategy covering religious, education, political, security, cultural, social-economy, and family-based environment aspects.

Said added that radicalism can be prevented by reinforcing character education and moderation-based curriculum implementation. Said also recommended the government to revitalize state ideology Pancasila.

NU also called on political parties to stop using religion sentiments in elections. "Using religion sentiments to take power is an irresponsible action, and it can harm the national sustainability," Nadhalatul Ulama chairman Said Aqil added.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/news/2017/11/26/055913570/NU-Calls-on-Govt-to-Monitor-Religious-Sects