A need for reflection

The chairman of the lawmaking body of Nahdlatul Ulama, KH Ilyas Ruchiyat, has given Indonesian Moslems a deeply meaningful piece of advice: Don't fall into the same hole twice. This piece of advice was given in the context of the Oct. 10 disturbances in the Situbondo area, East Java. Instead of pointing an accusing finger at anyone, this calm and elderly religious leader who hails from Tasikmalaya, West Java, has encouraged Indonesian Moslems to reflect, to contemplate and to avoid a similar incident from happening again.

To Nahdatul Ulama, the principle of brotherhood is indeed fundamental. On the basis of this doctrine of brotherhood, the leaders of this mass organization always strive to maintain good relations not only with fellow Moslems, but also with the government and with followers of other faiths.

In our view, however, the moral task of promoting brotherhood does not belong to Nahdatul Ulama alone. It is one that has to be borne by all Moslems and followers of all other religions in Indonesia.

Naturally the need to reflect exists not only for religious leaders. The government, as a guardian of public and religious life is already doing its part. This needs to be said because it has been said that the government has overstepped its authority in managing religious life. On the one hand, state interference in religious affairs can be beneficial. On the other hand, however, adverse effects are also possible.

The government, which should remain fair and stand above all religions, could become trapped into favoring one, either because of political interests or because policy-making is dominated by followers of one particular faith. In a pluralist society such as ours it is an absolute necessity that religion is given only its exact due.

We must underline the advice given by Kiai Ilyas that Indonesian Moslems -- and the entire Indonesian nation for that matter -- should avoid falling into the same hole twice.

-- Jawa Pos, Surabaya