The Moslem Conference<\/p>\n
Despite the organizing committee's earlier promise that the
\ncurrently ongoing Indonesian Moslem Congress was intended purely
\nas a means of strengthening bonds, we cannot avoid smelling
\npolitical motives after hearing yesterday's opening speech by the
\nchairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), K.H. Ali
\nYafie, and upon learning of the planned grand closing ceremony at
\nthe Istora Sports Hall, Senayan.<\/p>\n
If it is true that this congress is politically motivated to
\ncreate the impression that it articulates the wish of Indonesia's
\nMoslems that the People's Consultative Assembly's special session
\nproceed smoothly, then we feel pity for those Moslem leaders who
\nare present at the meeting and thus unwittingly allow themselves
\nto be made a tool for lending legitimacy to the assembly's
\nspecial session. If this is true, the congress' publicized
\nintention to forge a strong Moslem brotherhood bond will be
\nmeaningless. On the contrary, it might foster greater feelings of
\nmistrust among Indonesia's Moslems.<\/p>\n
As a majority, Indonesia's Moslems should not only be
\ndemanding more rights, they should demonstrate that they accept
\ngreater responsibility for the nation's future. Indonesia's
\nMoslems are at present facing a number of tests. Not only are
\nthey suffering from hardships and tragedies, they are also
\nengulfed in euphoria over the current reform drive. Islamic
\nparties have emerged to offer glorious dreams. Moslem leaders are
\nbeing tempted with attractive positions of power.<\/p>\n
We hope that in this context the Indonesian Council of Ulemas
\nwill not let itself be trapped into the old cheap tradition of
\nissuing pledges of support or other such meaningless slogans.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-moslem-conference-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }