Religious comic books for youths are being launched by the Islamic and Social Transformation Study Center (CISForm) of Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) in Yogyakarta.

The launch events for the comic books, Si Gun Pingin Jihad (Gun wants to do Jihad) and Rindu Khilafah (Yearning for the Caliphate), will be held in three cities, including Yogyakarta on Oct. 22-26, Surakarta on Oct. 27, and Mataram in West Nusa Tenggara on Oct. 29. These three cities were reportedly chosen due to their roles as the center of Islamic education with diverse dynamism.

CISForm director Muhammad Wildan told Antara news agency that the comic books were the result of the study center's research, as it aims to stop the spread of radicalization of ultra-conservative ideology and encourage a moderate society. “These comic books are counter-narratives,” said Muhammad.

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According to the university’s newsroom, research shows that youths are crucial when it comes to influence from hard-line groups. College, Islamic boarding school and high school students, as well as mosque youth organization members are considered members of the young generation who have  high idealism, especially with regard to religion. “Nowadays, as the youths are always connected to their gadgets and smartphones, it is a time where ultra-conservative ideologies could spread easily,” he said.

Si Gun Pingin Jihad and Rindu Khilafah aim to motivate Muslim youths to carry out jihad contextually and positively by maximizing their talents.

In addition to the launch, the university also hosted a screening of Jihad Selfie  and a discussion about the movie and comic books. (wir/kes)