Clerics Urge Vigilance Against Hoaxes That Trigger Anarchy
By: Nurul Fikri Hasbullah *)
The wave of demonstrations that have turned violent in various regions has drawn serious attention from the government. President Prabowo Subianto immediately responded by inviting religious leaders to the State Palace for dialogue and to seek joint solutions. From this forum, the voices of the clerics emerged as a reminder that maintaining calm, unity, and vigilance against hoaxes are key to preventing the nation from descending into anarchic actions that harm all parties.
The Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (PBNU), Yahya Cholil Staquf, emphasized that clerics are ready to assist the government in guiding the community. He stated that the public should not be overly anxious because the aspirations voiced through the demonstrations have been heard and even acted upon. One example is the cancellation of housing allowances for members of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI). According to him, this step proves that the government is serious about responding to the people’s voices. Therefore, there is no reason to continue anarchic actions that will only cause harm. Gus Yahya also emphasized the importance of the role of religious scholars in guiding the community to remain calm, draw closer to God, and avoid being provoked.
Rais Aam PBNU KH Miftachul Akhyar added that differences of opinion are normal in a democratic society, but they must be expressed peacefully and with dignity. He emphasized that NU members at all levels should act as a buffer in society. This call reaffirmed NU’s identity as a protector who maintains brotherhood, security, and social order. For Miftachul Akhyar, demonstrations that end in anarchy actually tarnish the ideals of fighting for aspirations, because the victims born of riots never bring good to the nation.
A similar stance came from Muhammadiyah. The General Chairperson of the Muhammadiyah Central Leadership, Haedar Nashir, called for all elements of the nation to exercise restraint. He asked the public not to fall prey to provocations that often stem from destructive issues on social media. Haedar emphasized that the interests of the nation must be prioritized over group interests. By wisely selecting information, the public can avoid the trap of hoaxes that have the potential to ignite the flames of conflict. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue and deliberation as the primary means of resolving national problems, rather than acts of violence that divide unity.
Meanwhile, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board of the Central Board of Muslimat Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), and Governor of East Java, urged the public to use the commemoration of the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday as a momentum to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood. She reminded them that the Prophet Muhammad succeeded in uniting Arab communities divided by tribal conflict. She believes this value is worthy of emulation in Indonesia, which is rich in diversity. By refraining from hurtful speech and avoiding actions that harm others, society can build a peaceful and harmonious life.
The call of these religious scholars is not merely rhetoric, but a concrete step to strengthen the government’s agenda of maintaining unity. Amidst the rapid flow of disinformation, the presence of religious scholars serves as a counterbalance. Their moral authority and closeness to the community make their messages more easily accepted by the wider community. When religious scholars remind people not to spread fake news and to maintain a peaceful attitude, the opportunity to reduce potential unrest increases.
The religious scholars also emphasized the need for the public to be vigilant against the spread of hoaxes on social media. Fake news often comes with provocative narratives deliberately designed to incite hatred. If the public is trapped by irresponsible information, mass emotions can be inflamed and escalate into anarchic actions. The presence of religious scholars in public spaces serves as a crucial filter to prevent the community from being easily incited. Using soothing religious language, religious scholars urge the public to prioritize brotherhood and avoid slander.
In a broader context, the role of religious scholars as guardians of the nation’s morals cannot be separated from their national responsibility. The ulama’s call for restraint, maintaining unity, and avoiding provocation is a concrete contribution to the government’s agenda of creating national stability. Ulema understand that without stability, various development programs will be difficult to implement. Therefore, they stand at the forefront, ensuring that the community does not easily fall into the trap of hoaxes that have the potential to shake the nation’s unity.
