Religious Moderation and the Foundations of National Identity

The Master of Religion and Philosophy Study Program, along with the Master of Religious Studies and the Master of Quranic Science and Tafsir at the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, organized a Learning Socialization event for new students of the 2019/2020 academic year. This event took place on Thursday, March 5, 2020, in the Smart Room of the Faculty of Ushuluddin and Islamic Thought and was attended by 73 new students enrolled in the Master of Religions Program. During the event, Ahmad Muttaqin M.Ag., M.A., PhD, the Head of the Master of Religions Study Program, delivered a presentation on Religious Moderation and the Pillars of Nationality.

Ahmad Muttaqin emphasized that a moderate attitude must begin with oneself and one's mindset. Instilling moderation from an early age involves suppressing and eliminating hatred and hostility among people. Promoting harmony among religious communities is essential for advancing Indonesia as a multi-ethnic, multicultural, and multi-religious nation, making it a more harmonious society.

"If you continue to see people of different religions as enemies or as reasons not to greet them, then you are not ready to be a moderate person. A moderate person recognizes differences as an opportunity to work together or even to enrich one another," he said.

This aligns with the perspective of Tarmizi Tohor, the Secretary General of Islamic Community Guidance, who emphasized that promoting important messages of religious moderation is insufficient on its own. It requires collective action from all sectors of society, including the government and interfaith groups, to effectively suppress and eliminate extremism and violence fueled by hatred towards different religions and ethnicities.

During the presentation, Muttaqin showcased an animated film that highlighted the values of tolerance and appreciation for the diversity of work at CISForm (Center for the Study of Islam and Social Transformation, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta). Strengthening the attitude of tolerance is crucial for individuals living in a multi-diverse society. It is important not only to promote a moderate perspective and develop interfaith tolerance but also to foster a moderate and tolerant attitude within the same religion.
At the conclusion of the event, Muttaqin shared a message with the new students, encouraging them to ensure that whatever they write in the future will be beneficial for themselves and their environment. He emphasized the importance of creativity and urged students to adapt to the changing times.