East Jakarta NU Branch Encouraged to Strengthen Moderate Preaching

The East Jakarta branch of Nahdlatul Ulama (PCNU Jaktim) is being encouraged to bolster its efforts in safeguarding a tolerant and moderate form of Islam amidst rising hoaxes, social polarization, and the instant nature of digital culture. In a region considered a microcosm of Indonesia's diversity, NU's role in fostering social harmony and guiding the community through contemporary challenges is deemed essential.

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East Jakarta is unique. It is not just an administrative region. It is like Indonesia's big kitchen. Betawi people are here. Sundanese people come. Javanese people settle. Madurese people trade. Padang people open restaurants. All mixed like sayur asem.

Assc Prof Dr KH Didi Supandi, an NU cleric and former Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) DKI Jakarta, highlighted that current societal challenges extend beyond economic and educational issues, encompassing a deluge of information that fuels shallow fanaticism and erodes collective values. He described East Jakarta as unique, akin to "Indonesia's big kitchen," where various ethnic groups coexist, making NU's presence vital for maintaining social cohesion through inclusive and calming religious approaches.

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NU stands not as a ivory tower, but as a civilization guard post. Guarding so that the community does not lose its way when modernity runs too fast.

Supandi emphasized that NU should act as a guardian of civilization, preventing the community from losing its way amidst rapid modernization. He stressed the importance of balancing physical infrastructure development with strengthening ethics and social tolerance. "We are proud Jakarta has tall buildings, but forget to elevate character. We are busy widening toll roads, but our hearts become narrower in accepting differences," he remarked.

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We are proud Jakarta has tall buildings, but forget to elevate character. We are busy widening toll roads, but our hearts become narrower in accepting differences.

He further noted the impact of social media on religious understanding, leading to instant religious practices with minimal emphasis on etiquette. Supandi urged NU to consistently deliver gentle and moderate preaching, particularly to the youth via digital platforms, without abandoning its traditional roots. "Today's preaching is not just from the pulpit. Preaching must be present on social media with knowledge, humor, and wisdom," he stated, also stressing the need for regeneration within NU and the preservation of its distinctive values.

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Today people can memorize hadith via TikTok in one minute, but don't have time to learn adab for years. People easily say 'haram' to each other, but find it difficult to say 'sorry' to neighbors.