A need for reflection<\/p>\n
The chairman of the lawmaking body of Nahdlatul Ulama, KH
\nIlyas Ruchiyat, has given Indonesian Moslems a deeply meaningful
\npiece of advice: Don't fall into the same hole twice. This piece
\nof advice was given in the context of the Oct. 10 disturbances in
\nthe Situbondo area, East Java. Instead of pointing an accusing
\nfinger at anyone, this calm and elderly religious leader who
\nhails from Tasikmalaya, West Java, has encouraged Indonesian
\nMoslems to reflect, to contemplate and to avoid a similar
\nincident from happening again.<\/p>\n
To Nahdatul Ulama, the principle of brotherhood is indeed
\nfundamental. On the basis of this doctrine of brotherhood, the
\nleaders of this mass organization always strive to maintain good
\nrelations not only with fellow Moslems, but also with the
\ngovernment and with followers of other faiths.<\/p>\n
In our view, however, the moral task of promoting brotherhood
\ndoes not belong to Nahdatul Ulama alone. It is one that has to be
\nborne by all Moslems and followers of all other religions in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Naturally the need to reflect exists not only for religious
\nleaders. The government, as a guardian of public and religious
\nlife is already doing its part. This needs to be said because it
\nhas been said that the government has overstepped its authority
\nin managing religious life. On the one hand, state interference
\nin religious affairs can be beneficial. On the other hand,
\nhowever, adverse effects are also possible.<\/p>\n
The government, which should remain fair and stand above all
\nreligions, could become trapped into favoring one, either because
\nof political interests or because policy-making is dominated by
\nfollowers of one particular faith. In a pluralist society such as
\nours it is an absolute necessity that religion is given only its
\nexact due.<\/p>\n
We must underline the advice given by Kiai Ilyas that
\nIndonesian Moslems -- and the entire Indonesian nation for that
\nmatter -- should avoid falling into the same hole twice.<\/p>\n
-- Jawa Pos, Surabaya<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-need-for-reflection-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }