'I support joint prayers for good causes'
The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued several fatwas declaring pluralism and liberalism to be un-Islamic. These fatwas also ban Muslims from attending prayers led by non-Muslims. All of this raises the issue of coexistence since Indonesia is a multicultural nation filled with people of different faiths. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the matter.
Vinta Siahaya, 25, is an elementary school teacher at the Anderson school. She lives in Bumi Serpong Damai:
I disagree with the MUI edicts. From the time Indonesia was formed, the country has been a pluralistic society. Our nation consists of various ethnic groups and beliefs.
Do people in the country really understand the meaning of the Youth Pledge in 1928? Even though we have differences we must maintain unity as long as we live, right?
The government recognizes five religions, meaning we should live hand in hand even though we are not all the same. This means no group should claim to be above other groups.
To accomplish the country's goals, such as becoming more prosperous, we need to prioritize unity regardless of our differences. We should pray together for our nation.
One religious group cannot achieve prosperity for all people, but if we support each other we can achieve this dream!
Yudith Nurwulan, 33, is a public relations director at the Four Seasons Hotel. She lives in South Jakarta:
I think a religion is a bridge between people and their God or gods. Everyone has their own faith.
As a Muslim, I will follow whatever it says in the Koran. Speaking about attending prayer sessions, when I attend prayers with other Muslims, then the leader must be a Muslim, too. I think it is the same with other religions. For example, I do not think that at a prayer meeting in a Christian church, a non- Christian would be standing in front of the congregation.
But I do not mind praying together with people from different faiths, for example during ceremonies or events held in an auditorium. Usually the leader will encourage the attendees to pray according to their own faiths. I support joint prayers with people of different faiths as long as it is for a good cause. All religions have positive teachings.
-- The Jakarta Post