Islamic Group Accuse Amien Rais of Utilizing Religious Propaganda

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hundreds of pro-Jokowi Ulemas and Santri (students of Islam) joined in the Jokowi Militant Santri (Samijo) Banten declared its support for President Jokowi to lead the country for a second term. During the declaration, they also criticized the statement issued by National Awakening Party (PAN) chairman Amien Rais.

Samijo coordinator, Ibnu Baliran Ali said that the group is set to back President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) in the 2019 Presidential Election after the group saw that the current administration was pro-Santri. The group’s declaration is also a response to the many religious issues that are currently being mixed with domestic political affairs.

“[President Jokowi] is a well-mannered individual. The president bows over and kisses the hands of our teachers,” said Ibnu on Friday, April 27.

Ibnu regretted the statement issued by Amien Rais on the country’s political parties that Amien claims is separated into two categories, God’s party and Satan’s party. Furthermore, he said that such cynical comments should not have been said publically since it could potentially cause public unrest.

“This is a clear sign that Amien Rais has used religion as a political propaganda tool,” Ibnu asserted.

Ibnu also stated the elements that he considers to be a pro-Islam movement that exists under the Jokowi administration, such as the naming of October 22 as the national Santri Day.

“It isn’t true when Jokowi gets accused of being distant from Ulemas or hates the Muslim community when he spares time to meet Ulemas and Santris,” Ibnu added.

WASI’UL ULUM