Terrorism is a serious problem in Indonesia. Many acts of terrorism occur because of groups acting in the name of religion. For this reason, understanding of religion must be taught comprehensively in order to understand and at the same time practice religious knowledge.

Secretary of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, Dr. Agung Danarto, MAg, said that the Koran must be taught with an understanding of science, not only by memorization. He also explained that worship and aqeedah must be taught in accordance with religious teachings, but social affairs must use the values contained in Islam.

“Only the aspects of worship and aqeedah should be literal, but aspects outside of those two must use the mind in accordance with the soul of Islamic teachings. If you read a verse, you must think and understand it first,” he said while filling the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Prevention of Radicalism and Terrorism in Schools and Mubaligh Muhammadiyah: Strengthening the Moderation of Indonesian Islam “, Thursday (20/2) at the Grand Dafam Rohan Hotel, Banguntapan, Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY).

The Chairperson of the UMY Board of Trustees also said that as the times had continued to develop, so should the situation in Indonesian society. So, Muslims must be more diligent to attend contemporary studies.

“The implementation of Islamic teachings from time to time must follow the development of existing civilizations. They must follow existing contemporary scientific studies,” he added.

On the same occasion, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) Director of Prevention Brigjen Pol. Ir. Hamli, ME, said that the idea of radicalism could enter and convey doctrine through various places such as schools, boarding schools, organizations and hospitals. Then he also conveyed the times that are often used by terrorists in launching their actions. This also relates to the perpetrator’s rationale.

“The most vulnerable times are Christmas, New Year, Ramadan, Eid and August 17th (Indonesia’s Independence Day). They might attack on August 17th because they consider Indonesia a thogut (blastphemous) country. This doctrine of thinking can be ingrained since PAUD (pre-school) or even kindergarten. The children was taught to hate what is different,” he said.

At the end of the forum that was hosted by UMY’s Political Doctoral Program, Hamli outlined what to do in order to deal with this. This includes the delivery of profound religious insights, national insights, social politics, justice and equality. (ak)