A need for reflection

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