Mainstream Islam 'promotes pluralism'
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Despite rising challenges, Islam in Indonesia has significantly contributed to the development of pluralism in the country, says noted philosopher Franz Magnis-Suseno.
"At a time where the government sometimes seems at a loss how to tackle the country's problems, Islamic intellectuals, spiritual and political leaders take a national non-sectarian point of view; as if, as the majority, they feel responsible that the country stays together peacefully and that the smaller groups can feel safe and free," he told an international seminar on Thursday.
He cited the role of the two largest Muslim organizations, the Muhammadiyah and the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in their taking a public position to pacify the country at crucial moments. He also cited the cooperation among religions, notably between mainstream Muslims and Christians since the late 1990s.
The lecturer of the Driyarkara School of Philosophy was among the speakers of "Islam's Contribution to the Construction of a Pluralistic World" here, which included renowned Muslim figures and scholars.
The seminar, which featured Noble laureate Shirin Ebadi as its keynote speaker, was held on the occasion of the International Day of French-Speaking Countries.
Magnis-Suseno pointed out developments in current events such as riots, introduction of sharia in a number of regions and instigating hate toward other religions.
"Small children may be taught ... not to have contact with 'heathens' or Chinese," he said. "There are regions where it is virtually impossible to build a church," he said
Other factors should not be taken for granted, he said, keeping in mind hypothetical scenarios, for example, what might ensue if corruption corroded any economic benefits or if democracy failed.
As Islam here is "a huge melting pot of different currents and dynamics," he said, even NU and Muhammadiyah "could be left behind by Islamic youth if they lose touch with them".
Meanwhile, NU chairman Hasyim Muzadi said people should take values presented in Islam as elements to create peace. The balance between theology and ritual dimensions in Islam must be maintained to prevent conflicts, he added.
"Clashes of religions are mostly (caused) because of the absence of such synergy," he said.
Muhammadiyah chairman Ahmad Syafii Maarif said that, as the last monotheistic religion after Judaism and Christianity, Islam should learn more from the historical experiences of its predecessors.
"The lessons derived from their successes and failures to cope with contemporary challenges are absolutely crucial for today's Islam to determine its own global position to save the future of humanity ... to participate in building a just and peaceful world."
Further, Muslim scholar Nurcholish Madjid said the core identity of Islam was its followers' surrendering to Allah. He said all religions came from the same source, God.
Hayam Aboul Hussein, a professor at the Faculty of Literature at Egypt's Ain Shams University, concurred with Nurcholish and said Muslims could be identified by their faith in God.
"Brotherhood and equality are all adopted in Islam," she added.