Avoid horizontal conflicts

Avoid horizontal conflicts

From Media Indonesia

I am writing because I am worried about possible horizontal conflicts between supporters and opponents of Gus Dur following the plenary session of the House of Representatives slated for April 30, 2001. The session will to hear the view of the House's factions on the President's response to the House's first memorandum of censure, which I believe will result in (i) the House's rejection of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's response and (ii) the necessity for the House to issue a second memorandum.

As an ordinary citizen, I would like to appeal to leaders of both Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah to immediately hold a meeting and come to an agreement to prevent conflicts between their followers.

The leaders of mass organizations should also enlighten their members on democracy so that they will not commit anarchic acts like destroying and burning properties, terrorizing and intimidating the public etc.

We all are Muslims, so why should we be fighting each other? The Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) should do something about this, and if necessary issue a fatwa (a binding ruling on religious matters) to prohibit the political elite from hiding behind mass organizations. Let's read and remember God's commandment in Al-Imran:103, "If we cannot shake hands with others, can't we shake hands with our fellowmen?".

AGUS CIK

Jakarta