Study: Radicalism Prospered at Mosque in Governmental Environment

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nahdalatul Ulama`s Association of Islamic Boarding School and Society Development (P3M) released a report on a study which found 41 mosques in the government areas are currently exposed to radicalism. 

P3M researcher Agus Setia Budi said the percentage of sermons that consists elements of hate speech were measured at 73.6 percent. “Hate speech was the most popular topic of radicalization,” said the researcher on Thursday, November 22. 

P3M recently studied 35 mosques within state ministerial environments, 37 mosques at state-owned enterprises, and 28 mosques in state agencies. The research was conducted from September 29 to October 21, 2017, by collecting samples of audio and video recording during Friday prayers. 

Popular elements of radicalism, according to Agus, range from urging for the rise of a caliphate state, negative attitudes toward minorities, negative views against other religions and female leadership, and hatred against certain minority groups. 

At its most severe level, the radicalism consists of hate speeches and provocative words made against a non-Muslim leader. There were also talks of threats against Muslims from people considered infidels (kafir).

“The government should place more care toward mosques that carry the state symbol such as these,” said Agus.  

SYAFIUL HADI | ARKHELAUS W.