Mainstay of national character in thwarting radicalization

Jakarta In order to protect Indonesia's youth from the dangers of extremism, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin emphasized the significance of national character formation.

In his remarks, he said that "the national character is the basic foundation and important filter to prevent extremism and other ideologies that are in opposition to Pancasila" during the undergraduate graduation ceremony of the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy on Sunday.

Amin advised Indonesian universities, such as Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy, to inculcate national character in its students so that they can become a part of the nation's bright future.

The rapid exchange of knowledge and the ideals of other cultures make it necessary to strengthen the nation's character, he said, because it takes time to instill patriotism and nationalism in the younger generation.

Amin stated that character development, in particular the development of the national character, requires a lengthy process and time.

He emphasized the significance of receiving a proper religious education that covers knowledge, behavior, and faith-related issues. All of these must be ingrained with the ideals of tolerance, respect for diversity, and national unity.

Amin also emphasized the crucial role Islamic higher education institutions have in shaping the character of Indonesian democracy.

He made the point that many Indonesian Muslim leaders who now represent tolerant, civilized, and peaceful Islamic principles internationally received their education at Islamic institutions.

Amin expressed the hope that through teaching high moral standards in its pupils now and in the future, Islamic educational institutions like the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy will enhance Islamic principles and Indonesia's reputation in the eyes of the world.

"I hope the Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi Islamic Academy will produce national Muslim figures who will contribute to the development, initiate changes toward progress, and elevate our nation's prestige at the global level," he said, referring to it as one of Indonesia's Islamic higher educational institutions.