Moslem figures' rift draws concern

SEMARANG (JP): The heightening tension between controversial scholar Abdurrahman Wahid and his fellow Moslem activists drew concern yesterday.

Human rights campaigner Muladi and political observers Rafiq Anwar and Priyatmoko suggested the warring parties settle their disputes amicably.

Muladi, a member of the National Commission on Human Rights, said he feared the conflict would create a new social problem unless it was solved.

"Moslems in Indonesia should shed the image that they adore violence and enmity," Muladi told The Jakarta Post. "They should safeguard the nation's unity."

Gus Dur, as Abdurrahman is better known, has locked horns with several activists of the politically well connected Association of Indonesian Intellectuals (ICMI) and the Humanika Foundation after publicly alleging they were behind the Dec. 26 riots in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya.

Gus Dur leads the 30-million-strong Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Moslem organization.

Humanika Foundation chief Bursah Zarnubi has threatened to sue Gus Dur for libel while ICMI Secretary-general Adi Sasono flatly rejected the allegations.

The Tasikmalaya riot saw the burning and looting of churches, shops, factories and police posts. Four people died in the violence, according to official statistics.

Muladi, also rector of Diponegoro University, said the enmity involved Moslem leaders who controlled millions of people and it could create deep social conflict.

"The best they could do is to meet and discuss how to bury the hatchet," he said.

He said he understood why the Humanika chairman was so offended and had threatened Gus Dur with legal action. "But I suggest action is taken only if peaceful efforts are fruitless," he said.

Muladi doubted the material evidence Gus Dur claims he has would have legal validity, therefore he recommended an amicable solution.

Rofiq Anwar of Diponegoro University shared Muladi's opinion, saying they should seek an out-of-court solution.

"Islam advises that Moslems should not be suspicious of each other. They should solve their differences for their mutual good and for the good of the public," he said.

Rofiq, who chairs the Central Java branch of ICMI, said it was unthinkable for Indonesian Moslems to become divided.

In Surabaya, Priyatmoko of the Airlangga University said the tension between the Moslem leaders demonstrated the lack of open dialog between them.

This, he theorized, had given rise to widespread rumors.

"People often blow issues out of proportion," said the teacher in socio-political science, reported Antara.

He argued Gus Dur should have explained his views on political and religious issues to other Moslem leaders. (har/pan)