THE STRATEGIES OF RELIGIOUS AUTHORITIES TO TACKLING COVID 19 IN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA: A THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
This article examines the theological perspective of the strategies employed by religious authorities in Indonesia and Malaysia to tackle COVID-19. The study highlights the differences in religious authorities between the two countries, with Indonesia having a more diverse range of authorities, while Malaysia has centralized authority under the State Islamic Religious Affairs Department. The research is qualitative and involved observations, focus group discussions, and document collections. The study found that religious authorities played a crucial role in dealing with COVID-19 in both countries, working at different levels of society and government. The article concludes that "work from home and pray at home" and "coaching and advocacy" are the best strategies implemented by religious authorities for both countries. It also found that the theological perspective of both countries supports the strategies for coping with COVID-19.
Strategy – Religious authorities – Theological – COVID 19