REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) stressed the importance of religious moderation as a concept and practice in support of nation development.

“Religious moderation is one of the important indicators that development in our republic meets the elements of a number of Indonesian needs,” said Ishaq Zubaedi Raqib, Chairman of the Ta'lif wan Nasyr (LTN) Institution of PBNU, in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday (11/12/2024).

Edi's statement was delivered in a workshop entitled “Strengthening Religious Moderation for the Community” initiated by LTN PBNU and the Directorate General of Islamic Education (Pendis) of the Ministry of Religious Affairs of Indonesia in Jakarta.

The event was attended by about 200 participants from various circles, including students, the general public, and interfaith figures.

Edi said religious moderation is a crucial indicator in Indonesia's development, as it creates social harmony that is an important prerequisite for the nation's progress.

According to him, religious moderation has been a priority of the government since the promulgation of Presidential Regulation (Perpres) No.58 of 2023, which makes the implementation of religious moderation more measured and standardized.

Meanwhile, the Speaker of the High Assembly of Konghuchu Indonesia (Matakin) DKI Jakarta Ws Liliany Liem Lontoh explained that religious moderation is a process to understand and practice religious teachings in a balanced way.

“Religious moderation is prioritizing balance in learning and practicing religious teachings,” he said.

Liliany also stressed the importance of tolerance in religion, which allows religious believers to take the positive values of other religions without prejudice to their beliefs.

Kasubdit Academic Development Ditjen Pendis Kemenag RI Imam Bukhori reminded that tolerance in religious moderation should take into account the common interest in religious practice in the public space.

“Religious practice in common life should be of importance to common interests, while personal religious practices can be adapted to the principles of each individual,” Imam said.

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