MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA — President of Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir mentioned that radicalism and extremism require unique strategies to tackle. They should not be confronted by the same methods, such as carrying out deradicalization programs since these means will lead to new forms of radicalism and extremism.
“Facing radicalism entails a moderation approach,” said Haedar Nashir at the national seminar conducted by the Regional Board of Muhammadiyah Student Association (DPD IMM) in Yogyakarta on Tuesday (December 5).
Haedar Nashir believed radicalism could be ceased through moderation, aligning with Indonesia’s historical journey when Pancasila was recognized as the state philosophy. National figures like Soekarno, Bung Hatta, Soepomo, and Ki Bagus Hadikusumo engaged in discussions to form a moderate national basis.
“Pancasila is the result of a moderate consensus,” said Haedar Nashir.
Pancasila lies the distinct character and identity of the nation, dynamically interacting with other countries under the universal laws of the world. An interesting dynamic unfolded in the journey. While Islamic groups aimed to establish Indonesia as an Islamic state, nationalists exhibited distinctive chauvinistic traits. Despite these differences, the nation’s leaders successfully reached compromises. Haedar asserted that the values of Pancasila reflect the unique characteristics and identity of the nation, dynamically interacting with other nations within the framework of global universal laws.
After the 1998 reform, Indonesia confronted a significant ideological battle reflecting the dawn of the information age. There was a clash of intense ideologies from ultra-nationalist ideologies to religion-based radicalism. In response, Haedar proposed moderation as the appropriate solution.
“Moderation is crucial in responding to this clash of ideologies. This approach may lead Indonesia to move forward in addressing the challenges of radicalism and extremism while maintaining the spirit of agreement and unity amid differences,” said Haedar.
The moderation approach is not just a solution to counteract radicalism but also a necessity to guide Indonesia toward a future aligned with the foundation, spirit, mind, and aspirations of independence. This aligns with the values of the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution and the heart of the nation’s founders.
Furthermore, Haedar highlighted the importance of freeing Indonesia from radicalism, such as extreme liberalization and secularization, and orthodoxy in political, economic, cultural, and religious life. According to Haedar, these phenomena could cause Pancasila and religions to lose their authentic moderate points in the country.
Haedar Nashir hoped that this moderation approach would enable Indonesia to build a stable and peaceful future in line with the values handed down by the nation’s founders. By respecting the spirit of independence and Indonesian identity, Indonesia can maintain harmony in diversity and remain a country based on tolerance and unity.
