'Dewa, FPI should resolve dispute'

'Dewa, FPI should resolve dispute'

Rock band Dewa was reported to the city police by a number of
Muslim organizations led by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) last
Monday for using the Arabic world of Allah on the cover of its
Laskar Cinta (Soldier of Love) album. The organizations accused
Dewa of blasphemy and demanded a public apology. The Jakarta Post
asked Jakartans to comment on the issue.

Subanudin, 37, is a taxi driver who lives with his wife and two
children in Pamulang subdistrict, Tangerang regency.

The FPI and the other Islamic organizations were concerned
about two things: First, the use of the word Allah in Arabic on
the cover of the Laskar Cinta album, and second,
the use of the symbol on the stage floor at the group recent
concert.

I don't care much about the first one. I thinks it's Dewa's
right to use the Arabic word. I do not see any bad side to its
use. Ahmad Dhani and his band have their reasons for using it.

However, I agree with the FPI in the second case. I do not
agree with the symbol of Allah being placed on the floor, stepped
on repeatedly during their concert.

But, still I do not agree that those organizations reported
Dhani and his group to the police.

Harjoko, 30, is an employee of a private company on Jl.
Sisingamangaraja, South Jakarta. He lives in the Bintaro Jaya
housing complex, Tangerang.

I follow the news about Dewa and the FPI as reported by
several private television stations. Frankly, my knowledge on
Islamic teachings is very limited, therefore I do not know the
issue well.

However, I believe that Dewa used the word for strong reasons.
Maybe, it is Dewa's way of honoring Allah, God almighty.

But, the FPI also has its own reasons. I heard on the news
that they were concerned about the use of the symbol on the stage
floor.

I suggest that the two sides come together to discuss the
issue peacefully.
--The Jakarta Post