Illustration: www.interfidei.or.id

Islam is repressive. Islam is intolerant. Islam is frightening. At least, that is the perception that has taken root in many people’s minds as a result of the proliferation of online media spreading messages of hate, which ultimately creates the impression that Islam is a frightening and intolerant religion.

Online media has long been used as a source of information, education, and a tool for spreading religious messages. However, as a tool, media can be used however users see fit, including to spread hatred and radicalism in the name of religion. It is precisely these hate-spreading media outlets that claim to be Islam-based that tarnish Islam’s image as a religion that loves peace and upholds tolerance.

During a discussion organized by the Tifa Foundation and the Ta’lif Wan Nasyr Institute of the Nahdlatul Ulama Executive Board (LTN PBNU) last October, NU Online Director Syafiq Alielha noted that such media outlets are thriving in Indonesia. Ironically, these hate-spreading media outlets have high traffic.

The high traffic on these radical websites actually attracts even more visitors, who come to view them as authoritative sources. For those new to religion, the messages taught on these sites can have harmful consequences. “Many Indonesians are currently actively studying religion. But because they don’t know where to turn for guidance, they learn through the internet. And unfortunately, these people who are just beginning to deepen their religious knowledge end up visiting radical websites simply because of their high traffic,” said Syafiq.

To prevent the situation from escalating, civil society, the government, and religious leaders must immediately undertake efforts to deradicalize religion through the media. These parties can contribute by fulfilling their respective roles in a coordinated and integrated manner.

First, we need to promote a friendly and peaceful image of Islam and increase traffic to Islam-friendly websites . This can be achieved by enriching the content of these sites. To make this happen, religious scholars can get involved by contributing articles that convey the values of a peaceful Islam to Islamic media outlets. With the involvement of religious scholars, the credibility of Islamic media can also be enhanced.

Second, at the same time, the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and the Ministry of Religious Affairs can engage with Islamic media outlets and encourage them to consistently disseminate information whose accuracy can be verified. Both agencies can also help build the capacity and networks of Islamic media so that they can compete with—and ultimately defeat—radical Islamic media.

Blocking as a solution?

During the discussion, another measure that was proposed to curb religious radicalism through the media was to block websites that spread radical Islamic teachings. However, doesn’t this conflict with the law and freedom of the press?

According to Press Council member Imam Wahyudi, not all media outlets or news websites fall under the category of the press. Imam stated that a media outlet or website can be classified as part of the press if its work embodies journalistic values and adheres to the journalistic code of ethics. If a media outlet or website fails to follow journalistic standards and is found to be spreading radicalism or hate speech, the government may block it.

However, blocking is only one approach. The main thing that needs to be done is to make sustained efforts to deradicalize religion through the media. To that end, Imam explained, the Press Council has taken several steps. First, the council has established cooperation with the police to identify media outlets resembling the press that are deemed to be causing public concern. “The Press Council evaluates media outlets deemed to be causing public concern by the police. We assess whether such media fall under the category of the press or not,” he said.

In addition, to ensure that internet-based media do not contribute to the spread of radical ideologies, the Press Council has developed guidelines for online media reporting. The Press Council also provides media literacy training to the public so that people can distinguish between media outlets that are radical and those that are not.

The TIFA Foundationbelieves that one effective way to curb religious radicalization is through diversity campaigns. In collaboration with its partners, the TIFA Foundation works to promote the concept of diversity in mainstream media through diversity-focused journalism training, support for victims of violations of religious freedom, and the promotion of alternative narratives that showcase a friendly and peaceful image of Islam.