Muhammadiyah: Economy-driven New Normal May Fuel Social Conflict
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28 May 2020 17:51 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - PP Muhammadiyah chairperson Haedar Nashir openly criticized the government’s plan to introduce and implement a new pandemic-related living guideline known as the ‘new normal.’
The leader of one of Indonesia’s two prominent Islamic organizations asserted that the government must carefully study the plan before actually implementing it in a number of Indonesian regions.
“We don’t want to see people creating their own interpretations. On one hand, malls and other shopping areas will gradually be opened all while mosques and other religious worship places remain closed,” he said in Thursday's press release. “This can potentially create friction between the state apparatus and religious congregations.”
The Muhammadiyah chair reminded that religious mass-organizations had consistently practiced their religions in the confinement of their homes to help suppress the spread of COVID-19. He noted that the BNPB mentioned that the virus is yet fully under control, but at the same time the government is planning to loosen social restrictions by introducing the idea of a new normal.
“Has everything been studied thoroughly and validated by epidemiologists?,” said Haedar Nashir.
He said that it is understandable if public perception grows assuming that the government is putting forth economic interests over people’s general livelihood.
“Saving the economy is indeed crucial, but what is also important is the safety and welfare of the people when the COVID-19 pandemic drop is yet to be confirmed,” he said.
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