Chinese Muslims now more accepted

Suherdjoko, The Jakarta Post, Semarang

Chinese-Indonesian Muslims have gained greater acceptance among the ethnic Chinese community, according to the chairman of the Central Java chapter of the Chinese-Indonesian Muslim Brotherhood (PITI), Gautama Setiadi.

Speaking before the opening of PITI's regional meeting in Semarang recently, he said the ethnic Chinese community had a much more positive view of Chinese-Indonesian Muslims.

"This is a good development. Previously, Chinese-Indonesian Muslims were a third caste, the result of the Dutch colonial government's divide and rule propaganda," he said.

PITI's regional meeting was also attended by the chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council in Central Java, Habib Lufti, a charismatic preacher from the town of Pekalongan.

Gautama said that when PITI was formed in 1966, many Chinese- Indonesian Muslims were viewed as uneducated and from the lower classes.

"The reality is now changed. The majority of PITI's members are intellectuals," he said.

The spread of Islamic teaching among the ethnic Chinese, he added, had also gained more respect.

"Young people have accepted it, and our activities are also accepted by the wider Chinese community," Gautama said.

He said that during recent celebrations for the Chinese New Year, PITI took part in events at Semawis market.

"A religious discussion by students of the Walisongo Islamic Institute was even held in the Tay Kak Sie temple complex," he said.

PITI is preparing to commemorate the 600th anniversary of Admiral Cheng Ho's arrival in Semarang in August.

"Admiral Cheng Ho was a Chinese admiral who was a Muslim. He set us an example by, during his trips to different countries, promoting friendship and not war. We should follow that example," he said.

Buddhists in many of the countries Cheng Ho visited also celebrate the anniversary of his arrival in their countries, Gautama said.

"Cheng Ho's love of peace should be cherished and spread. Our biggest challenge is to show that Islam loves peace, not terrorism. Admiral Cheng Ho proved this peace and friendship hundreds of years ago," he said.