Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Islamic media can act as a power to balance all news circulating in the world discrediting Islam as a religion of God, Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali said here Thursday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Second International Conference on Islamic Media being held here on December 13-15, 2011, Suryadharma said the conference was very important for Islamic media to unite their visions in building an Islamic information and communication system.

"I hope an Islamic information and communication system can be built that also acts as a power to balance every news discrediting Islam that is broadcast around the world," he said.

It is also highlighted that the importance of the media in enhancing security awareness and the promotion of integrity among official and public bodies as well as emphasize the role of media in countering sedition, extremism and terrorism.

In the conference which was attended by some 400 participants of Islamic medias, the minister was pleased to witness the willingness to follow the event seriously.

"The most important thing in the conference is the intentions of the participants to take a follow up action of the conference`s result as a practical works that will benefit the Islamic world," he said.

Moreover, the unification of views and actions in the future Islamic media in the conference is to pay attention on humanity, civilization, democracy, ethics and religious da`wah aspects.

Besides, Islamic medias also expected to play an important role in creating a peaceful world that is free of radicalism and terrorism, Suryadharma said.

As a follow up of the conference, all participants have trusted and gave mandate to the Indonesian Government through the Ministry of Religious Affairs in implementing the results of the conference as a real action and provide great benefits for all.

The event also issued a recommendation with several focus points namely to invite media in the muslim world to bring understanding and solidarity through exchange and pooling media materials and contents.

Besides, to invite the media in the muslim world to share and support the effort of dialogue with different cultures, religions and civilizations, and build the bridges of outreach to them.

Also, the event also to call upon the media in the muslim world to use its potential to disseminate peace understanding, and harmony and to support peaceful resolution to disagreements and conflicts.

The recommendation also emphasized Islam promotes moderation, objectivity, peace, impartially and devoid itself from the trap of emotions and sensationalism.

Islamic media also bears great responsibilities where the most prominent is to support and defend the causes of Muslim Ummah, and unite the Muslims` voice and stance using its greatest assets in human and cultural values to create a distinct Islamic environment and achieve real integration and unity among people.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011