Indonesian Minister of Religion Urges People Not to Choose Leaders Who Use Religion as a Political Tool

JAKARTADAILY.ID – Ahead of the Indonesia 2024 general elections, Indonesian Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas urged the public not to choose leaders who divide the people.

Yaqut also asked people not to choose prospective leaders who use religion as a political tool to gain power in the upcoming 2024 elections.

"It must be checked properly. Have our prospective leaders, our presidential candidates, ever divided the people? If so, don't vote for them," said Minister Yaqut as quoted from the official website of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Monday, September 4, 2023.

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Speaking while attending the 231st National Tablig Akbar of Eid Khotmi of Thoriqoh Tijaniyah at Az Zawiyah Islamic Boarding School, Tanjung Anom, Garut, West Java, Minister Yaqut emphasized that religion should be able to protect the interests of the entire community.

"Muslims are taught to spread Islam as a mercy, rahmatan lil 'alamin, mercy for the universe. Not just rahmatan lil islami," he said.

Therefore, the ideal leader, according to Gus Men, must be able to be merciful to all groups.

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"We will see whether our prospective leaders have used religion as a tool to win their interests or not. If so, don't vote for them," he said.

According to Yaqut, this is so that the Indonesian people can get leaders who are trustworthy and can take responsibility for the progress of this country.

"I advise all ikhwan and akhwat that later when choosing leaders, choosing our prospective leaders, presidential and vice presidential candidates, we really look at their track records," he concluded.  (***)

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