Responding Pros and Cons of Theologian Certification Wisely

In the midst of the increasedpolitical temperature as a result of alleged blasphemy committed by Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, public again shocked by the emergence of the issue of certification on theologian.

Came along with the issue, police collect data of the scholars, clerics in East Java. According to the explanation KH.Fadholi Muhammad Ruham, Caregiver Pesantren Al-Fudhola', Pademawu, Pamekasan, the police carried out the survey of scholars in Madura. A similar thing happened in Jombang, as stated by tutor of PP (Boarding School) Al-Farros Cukir Village, District Diwek, Jombang, KH or Gus Irfan Irfan Yusuf that Jombang Police has recorded kiyais. This incident has caused unrest among the ulama and pesantren in East Java, considering the lack of communication early. Data collected than are regarding matters of a personal nature such as date of birth, many were also considered less relevant.

Spry step clarifications made by the East Java police chief in the 'Gathering of East Java Police Chief Inspector General Machfud Arifin by theologian from all Madura and hooves horse' in the building Tri Brata, East Java Police Headquarters, Ahmad Yani Street, Surabaya, Friday (03/02/2017). According to the Inspector General Machfud Arifin, the purpose of data collection was to establish links between the police relationship with the scholars and clerics in 38 districts and cities across East Java.

Through this data collection Police hope to develop synergies with community leaders, especially clerics and scholars to maintain security and order society. Although it has been no clarification, but already developing various rumors which seemed to suggest that the power of clerics and scholars were being watched and need a high awareness. Good purpose of both data collection actually not achieved due to unwise communication between the Police with the leaders of Islamic boarding school in East Java.

Documenting scholars arise following certification for theologian. Plan of discourse that kept rolling is no doubt sparked controversy in the wider community, including religious leaders and Islamic organizations. Boisterous debate the pros and cons were present in adding to the growing in various media. Although the same is also outstanding scholars standardization discourse that is being initiated by the Ministry of Religious Affairs as a clarification of certification clerical discourse, but like a snow ball unrest continues to grow.

What Urgency?

The emergence of discourse certification scholars did not escape the indication of proselytizing activities, lectures and sermons that contain content that is considered provocative, troubling the people and can lead to upheavals in society. Face of Islam as a religion that rahmatan lil 'alamin, mercy and compassion for all human beings actually blurred enclosed with the behavior of a handful of people who are filled with air of anger and emotion of reality that are considered incompatible with his understanding. Missionary endeavor delivered in some momentum and then it was colored with various statements to burn the emotions of the people, to sow radicalism and intolerant.

In addition, lectures or preaching activity has also evolved into a profession and experienced selebritisasi when in contact with the entertainment side of the media industry. Someone who only armed with the skill of public speaking with a mastery of inadequate religious understanding soon easily obtain recognition sociologically as a scholar, cleric or preacher when popularized through mass culture industry. Prophetic meaning in Syiar can be reduced when the weight of the commercialization of propaganda into dominan. Missionary endeavor later became a profession that has a commercial value on the one hand, and can have political weight when able to suggest people with certain political views that may actually not be in line with the concept of the real religion.

If you look at the trend, meaning of theologian are narrowing into scholars experienced teachers or preachers in society. Theologian considered just a skilled person to religion by various names that are prevalent in Indonesia, such as the Kyai, Ajengan, Tengku Sheikh, Buya or Tuan Guru. Conceptually, a term derived from the Arabic scholars ('ulama'), the plural of 'alim, which means people who have in-depth knowledge or in other words, people who have a science of quality in various scopes.

According to Quraish Shihab explained cleric as one who has a clear knowledge of the religion, the Qur'an, the science of natural phenomena as well as with the knowledge which have a sense khasyah (fear) of Allah and has no place as heir to the Prophet can carry out his duties as well as having a high degree of His-hand.

Therefore, scholars have clear criteria which refers to the properties and not on the degree or born attributes, but with faith and love of man on Allah. Duty of the scholars, namely sermons or convey, tabyin or explain, tahkim or decide the case when there is problem among men, and as uswah or role models.

Referring to the concept of clerical above, it would be difficult to imagine how technically certify clerics? Authority such as what should be owned by the institution or those who will certify clerics? What aspects are to be used as an indicator of the ability of a scholar? Therefore, if the interest is to prevent the potential for radical propaganda, the commodification of scholars as the social attributes for industrial mass culture, as well as the need to improve the quality and ability than the preachers, speaker, then the idea of scholars become certified has no relevance.

Islam as a preaching religion has required to every Muslim is obliged to preach according to his ability, caller (preachers) for good and prevent damage, (commanding the good and forbidding evil). Therefore, when propaganda into activities that have an impact on the people at large, and propaganda became a profession, the important fact is the idea to organize the activities and professions preacher in ethical standards and specific competencies so that propaganda can be symbols of a religion that brings goodness and benefit the community. The preachers and religious teacher could also improve quality, ability and technique in preaching.

In addition, to avoid the perception of unfair treatment from the state, the idea of universal certification should also apply to the various actors from proselytizing or lectures conducted in various religions in Indonesia. It should be acknowledged that the potential to sow hatred, radicalism and manipulation message-religious message can occur in various religions and forms of this faith. Things to avoid the impression that the views of stereotypes about Islam and preaching activities with the greatest potential deviations and radicalism.

Critical reaction on the idea of certification of scholars is understandable given the political dynamic atmosphere. Hal also because the concept is not yet mature, giving rise to various interpretations mazy later in the field is also followed by the initiative of the state apparatus is not well coordinated well. The result actually causesprejudices which exacerbate the pros and cons. That's why it is important to finalize the concept and objectives, targets and methods of certification or any terms that will be used so as not to cause a reaction that is counterproductive.

In addition, the government must be able to explain that this certification does not have a political motive to control, supervise or even to shackle people. Thatmissionary activities are important to remember the experience of some countries pursue certification as an instrument of state control that can be reduced the essence rather than the symbols of religion.
Singapore's experience such as requiring only those who have a certificate (of Commission) are giving lectures, sermons, or studies, both in the mosque and in the open, in front of public. Even though, the government was involved in ensuring that the substance of the text may be used in the sermon through Assembly of Religious Islam (MUIS), Singapore. Each violation will be at risk of revoked certificates. Similar policies are also underway in Malaysia and Turkey, although in a way that is more moderate than in Singapore.

In an atmosphere that is uncertain about the idea of certification, required the wisdom of all parties to find a concept best policy to ensure freedom of preaching according to religious teachings on the one hand, and on the other hand to prevent the abuse of missionary activities to promote the ideas of the extreme sow radicalism, intolerance and all the things that can cause turmoil in society. Additionally, for those who support the idea of certification should not set out to view a priori, stereotypes and boarded by certain political interests, except for the purposes and interests of the people, nation and state.

*) Writer is CERCIA's Observer, South Jakarta.