Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) to continue to protect Muslims in the country from the threats of narcotics abuse and online gambling.
Speaking at an event to commemorate MUI's 49th anniversary in Jakarta on Friday, Amin praised MUI as a loyal partner of the government.
"As the government's partner, the MUI should empower people by playing a role in the eradication of drugs and online gambling," he stressed.
Amin stressed the need for firm action as the government's Task Force on Online Gambling Eradication has begun its work.
"However, we should not stop short of eradicating gambling in digital space, as it is critical that we completely eliminate all practices of gambling from Indonesia," he said.
In his speech, Amin cited historical struggles with addiction, mentioning Medina's struggles with liquor and gambling during the era of Prophet Muhammad.
"Muslims in Medina used to drink not merely bottles of liquor but barrels of it," he remarked.
Amin underscored that people consuming alcohol and engaging in gambling promptly obeyed the appeal to put a stop to these practices.
On that note, Amin expressed belief that intensive educational efforts are paramount to eradicating online gambling, urging the MUI to assist the government's task force by spreading messages about the dangers of the illegal online.
He reiterated that the council plays a critical role in protecting Indonesian Muslims and guiding them away from sinful conduct and deviant thoughts.
