An Age-Appropriate Approach to Religion Can Reduce Intolerance

Minister of Religion, Lukman Hakim Saifuddin said, in the midst of an era of transition to the era of digitalization and industrial revolution 4.0, don’t let religious values ​​fade among millennials. Therefore, the religious approach can no longer use conventional methods but must be packaged in such a way as to suit the era.

“They are digital people, happy with religious materials that are packaged creatively, innovatively, fun and at the same time easily accessible. We must be present in their midst by providing material or religious content that is cool, peaceful, tolerant, and in accordance with their millennial character, “Lukman said at the #MeyakiniMengharga Media Briefing Festival at Thamrin Nine, Jakarta, Wednesday, February 20, 2019.

Lukman’s statement was conveyed, addressing the many indications that Indonesian adolescents are prone to lead to intolerance. “So do not be blamed if the pendulum of the trend in Indonesia’s religious life in the future leads to intolerant, exclusive, extreme, violent, and even acts of extremism,” said Lukman.

He also reminded that the number of Indonesia’s productive age population who are included in the millennial category will reach its peak in 2045. Various efforts to maintain Indonesia’s integrity in the future through the millennial generation are one of the keys through a religious approach.

The Minister of Religion said that 70 percent of Indonesia’s population in the future will be dominated by people of productive age. So that the millennial generation will mirror the face of Indonesia in the future.

“The future and the face of Indonesia are closely related to religion because various studies confirm that Indonesia is in the top ranks as a country whose citizens place religion as an important factor in determining their attitude in life,” said Lukman.

The latest research conducted by the Center for Islamic Studies and Social Transformation (CISForm) UIN Sunan Kalijaga some time ago regarding the Exposure to Radicalism in the Teacher Production System for Lecturers and Students of the Islamic Religious Education Study Program found a surprising fact. At least 10% of the student and lecturer groups agree that Indonesia is established as an Islamic state and also have the view that it allows the use of violence in defending religion.