It is indeed very sad that our country and government

It is indeed very sad that our country and government
tolerates fanatical groups of people that dictate their will upon
others. I'm talking about the forced closure of the Jamaah
Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) headquarters in Parung, Bogor.

The followers of Ahmadiyah have been known for their tolerance
to other religions. They have not been involved in any acts of
vandalism or mayhem.

Now we have read that the regent of Bogor has instructed the
closure of the Ahmadiyah center. A month or so ago the "lord
mayor" of Padang also decreed that all female students
irrespective of their religion must observe the Islamic dress
code.

Indonesia is a secular country based on secular sets of laws,
no mayor or regent or even the regional Council has the right
to decide on matters that are not within their authority. If they
are allowed to do whatever they want, they will set an
unfortunate precedent. The central government must show their
authority and quash any such unconstitutional aberrations.

PAUL E. RANTAU
Singapore