'Islam accommodates differences'

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has issued religious edicts declaring pluralism and liberalism to be unIslamic and thus to be avoided. It also bans Muslims from attending prayer sessions led by non-Muslims. What do Jakarta residents think about the edicts? The Jakarta Post asked some people for their comments.

Ruddy Gobel, 32, a professional working in the field of health and social issues.

I strongly disagree with the edicts. First of all, Islam is supposed to be a universal religion that accommodates differences.

Secondly, edicts or any form of issue that restricts people should be made according to the current context. Indonesia itself has long existed with its plurality. Banning pluralism would mean running away from reality.

I was brought up in a family of mixed religious beliefs. I learned to respect other beliefs by knowing and sometimes getting involved in their activities.

Through the process, we develop mutual respect for differences.

I think the most extreme thoughts develop from a situation that is not familiar with pluralism.

Alia Sahala, 18, a part-time customer service officer at a bookstore in Central Jakarta.

Banning pluralism means that they do not respect differences. And people who do not respect differences end up living in their own world without recognizing what is going on in the world. They will end up being narrow-minded and ignorant.

MUI, as a group of religious leaders, could lead people into this kind of situation and this would be unhealthy for the nation.

Instead of merely issuing edicts, they should follow it up with educational efforts to explain the broader view of the edicts.

--The Jakarta Post