Secular or Muslim nation?<\/p>\n
Are we to remain a secular nation or are we to become the
\nworld's largest Muslim nation?<\/p>\n
Megawati Soekarnoputri is a President with the potential to
\nlead this nation to peace and strength. As with the presidents
\nwho went before her, she believes in a secular state and will
\nlead us in that direction.<\/p>\n
But will Amien Rais and Hamzah Haz allow this? What will
\nhappen to us if President Megawati does not serve her term?
\nConstitutionally speaking, it will be the Vice President who
\nshould then become president.<\/p>\n
Hamzah Haz has been very outspoken in his desire to see
\nIndonesia become an Islamic state. He has shown that he is
\nwilling to compromise his beliefs for the sake of politics, in
\nthat he has become Vice President to a woman president, who he
\nclaimed could not become president as it would be forbidden under
\nIslamic law.<\/p>\n
If he is willing to compromise his beliefs, then how far will
\nhe really go to see Indonesia become an Islamic nation?<\/p>\n
As an Islamic nation, Indonesia will gain less and will suffer
\nmore. Our boast is that we are a nation of many diverse ethnic
\ngroups and religions. It is our secular stance that has made us
\nattractive to other nations and investors so as to put their
\nmoney in here.<\/p>\n
Today we should be focusing on economics and how to mend
\nfences between the different provinces and islands. We must
\nsimultaneously move forward on many fronts.<\/p>\n
We, as a united nation, much repeat our past economic
\nachievements. We must not suffer the same fate as Northern
\nIreland and end up with 300 years of religious conflict.<\/p>\n
Our people, though mostly Muslim, have chosen through a
\ndemocratic process to remain a secular country. We voted for
\nrepresentatives that can espouse their beliefs in a country that
\ncontinues to be ruled by a civil government. As we are now a
\ndemocratic nation, the politicians should listen more to the will
\nof the people they represent. Who will protect the people if
\nMegawati is thrown aside and the Vice President takes control?
\nIt is a frightening thought.<\/p>\n
NATALIA SARTIKA<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/secular-or-muslim-nation-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }