Democratic values must beat sectarianism<\/p>\n
The political scene is no longer predictable, yet some things
\naren't really new. Political researcher Mahrus Irsyam of the
\nUniversity of Indonesia looks at the repetition of history in an
\ninterview with The Jakarta Post.<\/p>\n
Question: How do you see the role of major Muslim forces in
\nthe country now, such as those represented by diverse groups such
\nas Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah?<\/p>\n
Answer: It's not just NU and Muhammadiyah. The rise of Amien
\nRais, Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) and Megawati Soekarnoputri
\nreflects the return of political history in the period before
\n1945 independence. This was when the grassroot forces of Islam
\nand nationalists were at the forefront. This was an indication
\nthat Islamic groups and the Indonesian Nationalist Party became
\none in the independence movement and led at government level.<\/p>\n
In BPUPKI (the body preparing Indonesia's independence) there
\nwas Ki Bagus Hadikusumo, Wahid Hasyim (of NU), for instance.<\/p>\n
After the 1950s the Islamic and nationalist groups began to be
\nmarginalized; they had become the spear for change. The
\nIndonesian Communist Party came to power and when it was banned
\nthey continued to be marginalized under (second president)
\nSoeharto.<\/p>\n
Q: Wasn't their marginalization also led by their own weakness?<\/p>\n
A: Yes, there was also much friction within them, and also
\nbecause of political interests... They were only a social
\nmajority with so many Muslim-based organizations, but in a large
\npart of political history they were mostly a minority.
\nNationalists did not have much chance either. To maintain his
\npower, Soeharto marginalized both groups. Golkar and the military
\nwere comparatively far more solid.<\/p>\n
Now the Islamic groups and nationalists are back again... we
\nsee the \"traditionalists and modernists\" grouping together with
\nthe nationalists now reflected in the Indonesian Democratic Party
\nof Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and Megawati.<\/p>\n
Q: There have been fears of the return of sectarian politics...<\/p>\n
A: It will not happen as long as these forces stick to their
\ncommitment to reform... There must be a more mutual approach
\namong Islamic organizations and within the Muslim-based \"axis
\nforce.\"<\/p>\n
The feared weakness of sectarian politics should be overcome
\nby secular thinking; differences among them should be settled by
\nfamiliarizing democracy.<\/p>\n
Familiarizing democracy among Muslims and non-Muslims should
\nbe taken up by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. The ministry
\nshould not only take care of affairs such as pilgrimages and
\ndetermining the start of Ramadhan -- like Abdurrahman said in
\ncriticizing the ministry. Taking care of the nation is more
\nimportant.<\/p>\n
Instead of the suggestion of abolishing of the ministry and
\nmaking people restless, the Ministry of Religious Affairs should
\ntake up a new role in familiarizing democracy among different
\nbelievers.<\/p>\n
With the presence of Amien (who chairs the inclusive National
\nMandate Party or PAN) sectarian politics is no longer likely.
\nMaybe it remains only among those in the Association of Muslim
\nIntellectuals (ICMI) or other supporters of B.J. Habibie. Such
\naspirations will fade away if reform really takes its course.<\/p>\n
Q: Do you think the Ministry of Religious Affairs is now up to
\nthat proposed new role?<\/p>\n
A: It could implement policies while relying on outside experts
\nsuch as rectors of the state-run institutes for Islamic studies
\n(IAIN) and activists in various (religion based) organizations.
\nNarrow perceptions among Muslims and non-Muslims would then
\nchange to tolerance.<\/p>\n
Q: How long do you think that would take?<\/p>\n
A: We cannot say for sure but in the long run there definitely
\nwould be results. (anr)<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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