University told to promote pluralism<\/p>\n
Sari P. Setiogi
\nThe Jakarta Post
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
As part of the academic community, university congregations
\nshould be role models for the nation on how to live peacefully in
\na diverse world, a noted scholar said.<\/p>\n
\"Pluralism should be upheld as a fundamental truth, and should
\nbe implemented without worrying about the short-term costs or
\nbenefits,\" Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid said in his speech
\nbefore an academic forum at Atmajaya Catholic University in South
\nJakarta, which is celebrating its 43rd anniversary.<\/p>\n
Nurcholish, the rector of Paramadina University, said people
\nshould enjoy diversity as a gift of God, instead of as a trigger
\nfor conflict.<\/p>\n
\"Pluralism must be promoted, even if it may require us to
\nsacrifice our interests. In the long run upholding a truth will
\nbenefit all people for a long time, perhaps eternally,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is home to at least 370 ethnic groups, who speak 67
\ndifferent languages and follow various religions and beliefs.<\/p>\n
University is a place for well educated people, he said, and
\ntherefore it should contribute to the country's learning process.<\/p>\n
\"University members are expected to offer the community
\nsolutions on social problems and to help them improve their
\nquality of life,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has seen major conflicts break out due to a lack of
\ntolerance among ethnic groups, followers of different religions,
\nand people from different socio-economic backgrounds over the
\npast five years.<\/p>\n
Thousands were killed in clashes between Muslims and
\nChristians in Maluku and the Southeast Sulawesi town of Poso,
\nbetween different ethnic groups in West Kalimantan and Central
\nKalimantan.<\/p>\n
With tolerance, the bloodshed could have been avoided,
\nNurcholish said.<\/p>\n
When asked about the controversial education bill, Nurcholish
\nsaid the draft law had not yet touched or answered the issue of
\ntolerance.<\/p>\n
He suggested that the House of Representatives delay the
\nendorsement of the bill for further discussion.<\/p>\n
\"The idea to make a new law on education is good, but if it is
\ndesigned to be applied for only for a very short time, it will
\nnot receive the attention it deserves,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He said priority should be given to efforts to improve the
\nintellectual quality of future Indonesians through the education
\nsystem.<\/p>",
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