Bagito Group show<\/p>\n
I don't understand why in this reform era Nadhlatul Ulama (NU)
\nmembers were so upset with the performance of the noted Bagito
\ncomedy group after they mimicked President Abdurrahman \"Gus Dur\"
\nWahid on the Gebyar BCA program broadcast on the evening of Oct.
\n23 by Indosiar. They seemed to forget that Gus Dur himself is a
\nhumorist, a democrat and an easygoing person.<\/p>\n
NU executives \"forced\" the group to directly apologize to NU
\nmembers and Gus Dur, a move broadcast live several hours after
\ntheir performance. What a shame!<\/p>\n
We still remember that in a talk show with Jayasuprana on TPI,
\nrebroadcast the night after Gus Dur was sworn in as President,
\nGus Dur said that it was natural in the United States that a
\npresident becomes an object of fun.<\/p>\n
Several years ago, he even defended Salman Rushdie, author of
\nThe Satanic Verses, when many Muslims in the country were upset
\nand accused the British author of humiliating the Prophet
\nMuhammad and his family. Prophet Muhammad is the most respected
\nIslamic figure. Muslims all over the world, especially NU
\nmembers, pay the highest respects to him every year on the
\noccasion of his birthday celebration.<\/p>\n
Some legislators even chanted salawat badr (prayers for
\nProphet Muhammad) when Gus Dur was elected as the fourth
\nPresident at the General Session of the People's Consultative
\nAssembly. Gus Dur also criticized some Muslims who demanded that
\nthe license of the Monitor tabloid be revoked after the tabloid
\ngave Prophet Muhammad a rank (10th) under its editor Arswendo
\nAtmowiloto.<\/p>\n
So, where were NU members' voices when their most respected
\nfigure (Prophet Muhammad) was insulted? Why did NU members not
\ntry to follow their leader's stand? It's strange.<\/p>\n
The Bagito group usually presents fresh ideas and objects of
\nfun by introducing social phenomena and criticisms. I fear that
\nsuch sensitivities as shown by NU members could kill creativity
\nand freedom of expression in the country. But, as far as the
\nBagito show is concerned, I hope not all NU members share the
\nsame reactions.<\/p>\n
DARUL AQSHA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bagito-group-show-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }