'We should put aside the differences among us'<\/p>\n
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a number of edicts
\nbanning pluralism and liberalism, including a prohibition on
\nMuslims attending prayer sessions led or attended by non-Muslims.
\nThe Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the issue.<\/p>\n
Sonny Hoke, 53, is an employee of a publishing company. He
\nlives in Cawang, East Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I think in order to strengthen the unity of our nation, which
\nconsists of different cultures and beliefs, we should put aside
\ndifferences that might tear us apart.<\/p>\n
And a belief or a religion should reflect a relationship
\nbetween humans and their God or gods.<\/p>\n
The MUI edicts, I think, were quite extreme. I believe that
\nIndonesia won its freedom because of the prayers of people of all
\nfaiths in the country, not because of a certain religion of
\nbelief.<\/p>\n
I'm afraid the edicts could trigger dissension among our
\npeople.<\/p>\n
Peggy Danet, 35, is a mother of two daughters. She lives in
\nPancoran, South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Our country is based on Pancasila (the country's philosophy,
\nwhich is based on pluralism) as Indonesians have different
\nethnicities, religions and languages. And Indonesia is not a
\nstate that follows a particular religion but one with a legal
\nsystem.<\/p>\n
Why did the MUI issue such contradicting edicts against
\npluralism and liberalism? The MUI should not involve itself in
\npolitics like that, but should address micro matters, for example
\nconflicts or controversy.<\/p>\n
I think the MUI should review the relevant problems before
\nissuing such edicts. Other Muslim groups, who support pluralism,
\nare against the MUI's edicts.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/we-should-put-aside-the-differences-among-us-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }