Amin made the request while receiving members of the board of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) here on Friday, his spokesperson, Masduki Baidlowi, informed.
"The Vice President hopes that the ulemas and all parties play an active role in cooling down the political atmosphere if undesirable things happen," he said in a press statement after accompanying the VP at the meeting.
One of the VP's concerns is the "increasingly troubling" debates in cyberspace, he added.
"For instance, on social media, there are many debates that show that as if brotherhood is not more important than a short-term practical political choice," he said.
Ahead of the 2024 election, the Vice President expressed the hope that MUI, as an institution that houses scholars, will continue to adopt a neutral stance, Baidlowi said.
"The Vice President hopes that the leaders of MUI as an institution will stay neutral. Anything related to political rights (must be carried out) as individuals," he said.
He emphasized that the potential for polarization in society will increase ahead of the election.
During their meeting, the VP and MUI leaders discussed the plan for holding the MUI plenary meeting.
The plenary meeting will be held soon to inaugurate Kiai Anwar Iskandar as the new chairperson of the MUI.
"Kiai Anwar Iskandar, who has been selected to replace chairperson K.H. Miftachul Akhyar, only needs to be officialized in a plenary meeting, which will be chaired by Vice President Ma'ruf Amin, who is concurrently chairperson of (MUI's) Advisory Council," he said.
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Translator: Rangga J, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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