"A lot of content in publications and television programs are against correct principles in Islamic teachings. So, it is expected this body will be one of the ways to prevent violations of Islamic teachings," MUI deputy general chairman Maruf Amin said at the launch of the new institution here on Friday.
The Agency for Verification of Islamic Content in Publication and Broadcast Media will be part of MUIs role in protecting morality of the nation.
"This is one of the kinds of role MUI plays to strengthen Islamic solidarity and verification of Islamic content in publications and in the broadcast media," he said.
He added that among the tasks of the MUI were being the heir of the prophets tasks, producing religious edicts, advising and serving people, implementing reforms and principles of "amar maruf nahi mungkar" or promoting good deeds and preventing evils.
Maruf said the presence of the new agency was a response to the fast-development of media, adding that among the targets of the institution are Islamic books, films, religious television films, spirituality training and gadgets.
"MUI has recently seen an extraordinary rising trend of Islamic content in publications and the broadcast media, such as publication of the Quran in Indonesia marked by increasing publishers and emerging new publishers that care about the Qurans interpretation," he noted.
Maruf said he was aware that MUI as an institution is not a special institution that studies Islamic content, especially in the television broadcasting media in line with increasing Islamic films on television.
"MUI also has not until now been able to specially classify Islamic or non-Islamic television programs as to do it requires a thorough study," he added.
"Islamic programs are indeed positive for religious propagation but certainly verification of their Islamic content and quality must be confirmed. That way, their propagation of Islam will not run against the spirit of strengthening the faith of Moslems and their reform spirit. That way programs can also be confirmed that they will not divide people but will even increase the national unity. Fast development of Islamic television broadcasts is not enough," he noted.
Reporting by Anom Prihantoro
(H-YH/INE/H-YH)
EDITED BY INE.
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
