'I support joint prayers for good causes'

'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