DPR Comments on Fachrul Razi's Call to Include Pray in Indonesian
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8 November 2019 09:35 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi was admittedly bewildered by the somewhat negative response from the public following his call for Islam's Friday prayer sermons to include Bahasa Indonesia (the Indonesian language), notably the parts that are usually pronounced in Arabic.
“Isn’t praying with Bahasa Indonesia a normal affair? So, which part is arguable?” said Fachrul Razi in his meeting with the House of Parliament’s (DPR) Commission VIII at the parliamentary complex on Thursday, Nov. 7.
Fachrul maintained that including a native language after a congregational prayer will have a great effect on the congregations from ever conducting any misbehavior.
“Take an example when an Imam prays to God to distance corrupt behaviors from congregations. Those listening to that prayer that may have intentions to conduct corruption may well fear to do such a thing,” said Fachrul.
However, DPR’s Law Commission asked for the religious affairs minister to not dwell on unsubstantial matters and urged him to focus on programs related to positive religious moderation.
“Stop issuing controversial statements. The Religious Affairs Minister should not go too deep into religious interpretation and let interpretations vary,” said House’s Commission VIII member from PKS Ihsan Qolba Lubis.
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