TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) member from the PKB faction, Maman Imanulhaq, criticized Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi over issues related to the involvement of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in the program of strengthening religious harmony.

“We strongly reject any effort to involve the TNI in matters of religious harmony,” Maman said in a hearing of the DPR Religious Affairs Commission with the minister on Tuesday, July 7.

Maman said the TNI involvement contracted with the principles of democracy, human rights, and the reform agenda for the security sector, as well as the Military Law.

The ministry, he opined, should instead adopt a dialogical approach, not security. “If it is handled by the armed forces, it will generate artificial harmony,” the legislator added.

On June 30, the Religious Affairs Minister held a meeting with the Indonesian Military and discussed the synergy of programs related to strengthening religious harmony.

Based on the ministry’s official statement published on its website, Fachrul said that religious approaches have the potential and significant roles in maintaining the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

To obtain optimal results, collaboration and understanding between the Ministry as the leading religious sector and the state defense institutions, such as the TNI or National Police, are necessary.

The Deputy Territorial Assistant Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sugiyono, meanwhile, seconded Minister Fachrul Razi’s statement and positively welcomed the synergy of the program of strengthening religious harmony. “With togetherness, we will be able to overcome any big problems,” he said.

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FRISKI RIANA