"ISIS seek to transfer the conflict in the Middle East where they still prioritize tribes, but it will not affect us here because we have Archipelago Islam and we also have our nationalism," Agil Siradj said.Pontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU) KH Said Agil Siradj said that ISIS main mission at the moment is to bring the Middle Eastern conflict to Indonesia.
"ISIS seek to transfer the conflict in the Middle East where they still prioritize tribes, but it will not affect us here because we have Archipelago Islam and we also have our nationalism," said Siradj during his lecture in a national seminar themed Archipelago Islam for Indonesias integrity in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Tuesday.
He explained that Archipelago Islam is a nationalist Islam that merge together culture and tradition with diversity, different from the Middle East.
"Archipelago Islam is the Islam that fuse with traditions and legacies from our ancestors, as long as it does not go against the Islamic principles such as free sex and alcohol, those are what we need to disprove together," he said.
It is in line with the teachings from Prophet Muhammad, who had built diverse social communities in the 15th century, where people from different religions and race can coexist.
"The Prophet said to never become enemies with those who are of different religion and race, but with those who bridge the law," he remarked.
Islams expansion in Indonesia was performed by Wali Sanga, the 9 revered saints of Islam in Indonesia. It was carried out for 50 years without wars or bloodbath.
"That is what makes Archipelago Islam different from the Islam implemented in Arab. The spread of Islam in Indonesia is civilized and it does not go against any traditions or cultures," he added.
He believes that in order to bring people together, the teachings of Islam should be combined with the spirit of nationalism, as it has been practiced in Indonesia. Founder of Nadhlatul Ulama KH Mohammad Hasyim Asyari once stated that he wished to merge Islam and nationalism.
"It is different with what is currently happening in the Middle East, there are no nationalist preachers there. In Indonesia, there is Nadhlatul Ulama, which was found by a nationalist preacher who follows Gus Dus philosophy. He said that defending the nation is a part of faith," Siradj continued.
He also stated during the seminar that Archipelago Islam emphasizes tolerance. For instance, unlike other countries, every festive days celebrated by other religions are deemed national holiday in Indonesia.
Pontianak Mayor Sutarmidji responded well to the seminar, remembering the multi-ethnic citizens of Pontianak.
"Thank God, the citizens are co-existing well up until this day, despite the diversity," he remarked.
The mayor hopes the lectures in the seminar can be an enlightenment for the diverse citizens of Pontianak and keep their lives harmonious," he concluded.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
