Injustice causes Islamic radicalism
Injustice causes Islamic radicalism
JAKARTA (JP): The vice-chairman of the National Resiliency
Institute, Juwono Sudarsono, called on the government yesterday
to enhance social justice to prevent the rise of radical Islamic
movements in Indonesia.
Juwono argued that inequality and social injustice are fertile
ground for radical ideas.
"We are racing against time to foster more far reaching social
justice. If we fail, anyone can use the Islamic religion as a
radical shortcut, which is unconstitutional," he warned.
Juwono assessed the rising trend of Islamic radicalism
throughout the world, particularly in developing nations, as a
backlash against the failure of modern economic development to
create economic and social justice.
"My warning is that the potential to exploit religion as a
means of endorsing radical acts such as in Algeria and
Egypt...can also happen in Indonesia," he said after speaking at
a seminar on "The Egyptian Indonesian Relations from an Historic
Perspective".
The seminar, opened by Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, also
marked the inauguration of the Indonesia-Egypt Friendship
Association.
Juwono strongly warned against the use of Islam as a "savior
from the poverties" and thus called for policies to improve
people's welfare.
"The symptoms do occasionally appear," he replied when asked
by The Jakarta Post if he thought there were already signs which
give root to radical Islamic movements.
He pointed to the conflicts surrounding land expropriation as
a common example which could aid such radicalism.
Morals
Former cabinet minister Emil Salim who also attended
yesterday's seminar, pointed out that development in many
countries lacked moral development and thus created a void often
filled by movements such as Islamic fundamentalism.
Emil argued that fundamentalist movements were often a
manifestation of society's desire to recapture traditional values
neglected by modern economic development.
He sees a need to balance materialistic concepts with moral
values in the nation's development.
"If this is not addressed then fundamentalism will emerge," he
said.
When asked about the seriousness of the situation in
Indonesia, Emil answered by expressing confidence in the virtue
of the people here.
"The morality of the Indonesian people is still good," he
replied.
He added that rational Moslems were needed, not emotional ones
such as in the Middle East.
According to Juwono, the government is aware of the potential
dangers posed by Islamic extremists.
"I think that even Golkar feels that Islam is a challenge," he
said referring to the ruling Golkar faction.
He noted that the government has included Islamic leaders,
particularly those from the middle class, in the decision making
process "even though still nominally".
Furthermore, he argued that when a political group holds onto
power for so long, as Golkar has for the last two decades, there
is a general pattern to challenge it. (mds)