'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