Diponegoro University students attend public lecture on preventing religious-based radicalism

Radicalism is a radical concept which aims to make political changes carried out in an extreme manner, should not grow in a nation. However, this understanding is a latent danger that may arise at any time so that it is necessary to provide understanding and learning for Indonesian citizens to stick to their stance and not to follow any kind of radicalism movement. As a PTNBH in Indonesia that upholds the value of nationalism, Diponegoro University has conducted a National Ideology Strengthening Program for the entire academic community which is called “Public Lecture: Preventing Religious-Based Radicalism Among Diponegoro University Students” which was held on 17 November 2020 live through Zoom and Youtube.

At this event, which was organized by TIMARU (Undip’s Anti-Radicalism Team), present Gus Taj Yasin Maimoen, who served as Deputy Governor of Central Java, and Ir. Sutopo M.Sc., Ph.D. who is a lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture Undip. The moderator of this event was Dr. Ir. Munasik, M.Sc., lecturer at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Undip. The event was opened with remarks from Undip Rector, Prof. Dr. Yos Johan Utama, S.H., M.Hum. He said that a sense of unity and oneness must be instilled in every human being from an early age. Indonesia, which is a multicultural country, has many religions, and religions should lead to mutual respect, mutual affection, not mutual hatred. “Tolerance is important. We reject radicalism that carries religious jargon, which can lead to disputes between religious people and other religious communities. We are all one, the Indonesian nation, ”said prof. Yos in his speech.

The Deputy Governor of Central Java, Gus Yasin, revealed that nowadays, there are religious knowledge providers who convey teachings that are different from those of the original religion. “Religion is true, but its fanaticism that needs to be avoided”, said Gus Yasin. Viewed from a religious perspective, the seeds of radicalism can emerge when there is a feeling of fanaticism towards one group or school of thought. He explained that the emergence of the seeds of radicalism must be prevented, and as Indonesian citizens, we must obey a nationalist government. Strong religion can be the basis but tolerance can go hand in hand. “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika unites differences in Indonesia. Allah created many different people, but differences are truly a blessing”, said Gus Yasin.

The next material, which was presented by Ir. Sutopo, raised the theme of “Ways to Prevent Radicalism in Higher Education Campuses”. He explained that students are a target that is prone to being exposed to radicalism, because the spread of ideology requires smart people and students are looking for identity so that they have a desire to become big. The characteristic of radicalism which may lead to harm others must be hostiled, for example the suicide bombing jihad.

Undip clearly prohibits things that are against Pancasila. The establishment of TIMARU really helps students so they don’t get trapped in misleading and harmful mentoring as Undip does not support students, faculty, or alumni who are affiliated with radicalism. With the Ideology Strengthening Program in the form of a public lecture attended by the academics and Undip students, it is hoped that it will increase a sense of nationalism and uphold the unity and integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.