Fachrul Razi to Hold Pancasila Training for Preachers

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi planned to hold a training for preachers in a bid to prevent the distribution of provocative teachings to the community through mosques or other places of worship.

“I will establish training for preachers who wants it. We will invite them to discuss tolerance, radicalism, Pancasila. We will hand out a certificate, too,” said Fachrul during an interview with Tempo in his office, Monday, Oct. 28.

Fachrul stressed that the move was taken to show his seriousness in averting radicalism from development among society. “Even though the quantity number of provocative preachers is low, it is still dangerous based on quality.”

However, the retired general of the Indonesian Military (TNI) said that the training would not be mandatory. “We don’t want to make them feel difficult and uneasy. [This is] for those who want it, if they don’t want to, then don’t,” Fachrul added.

Nevertheless, he would not hastily summon or take stern action against preachers delivering provocative lectures.

“My staffers will visit them or we will call them. We will first issue a warning. If the act recurs, we will ask law enforcers to take action because it [the teaching] is considered hate speech, provocating mass. This action can be taken legally. This should not be overlooked anymore,” Fachrul Razi underlined.

DEWI NURITA