Moslems sidelined: Gus Dur
Moslems sidelined: Gus Dur
YOGYAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, leader of the 30-million
strong Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization, has said that
Indonesian Moslems have a sense of being intimidated and are thus
too afraid to sponsor social changes.
"They are so afraid that even religious leaders and students
can only concentrate on ritual activities and don't try to make
any social changes," Abdurrahman, better known as Gus Dur, said
in his speech in front of participants of the Idul Fitri
gathering here on Saturday night.
Abdurrahman said that most of the issues that were discussed
relate to religious fanaticism, without making any other progress
as they could only deal with matters which have no connection to
social changes.
He said that daily religious activities are important, but
social thinking should also be nurtured within Indonesian Moslem
ranks. If Moslems are only busy with lithurgic activities, they
will be trapped in ritualism which is not conducive to social
changes, he said.
"We should not tie ourselves up only with rituals but we have
to develop ideas," he said.
Gus Dur also said that ideas concerning social and state
matters are very important, citing as an example the question
whether the House of Representatives had conformed with the
provision of the syura council taught by Islam.
He said that sponsoring political correction does not mean to
destroy the state but to improve and strengthen it. This is only
possible by giving the power to the people to correct things
without changing the system.
"The National Constitution is good enough and there is no
difficulty implementing it. But everyday we see the Constitution
violated," Abdurrahman said.
Unfortunately, he said, Moslems have done nothing to improve
the situation. "Moslems scholars have even joined the group who
have resigned and adjusted themselves to the situation, helping
to preserve the status quo.
"These are what I would call 'intellectual workers' because
they make concepts based on the order."
A person who works for an order is a worker, Abdurrahman said.
"Why don't they try to create ideas on how to meet the people's
actual needs," he asked.
He expected Moslem intellectuals and religious leaders to
practice Koranic teachings in their daily lives, and to sponsor
social changes which will enable them to lead people towards
Islamic teachings.
He regretted the fact that Moslem students have been
intimidated so badly that they are afraid to touch upon real
social problems.
"In this situation how can we advocate social changes," he
asked.
If Moslems are unable to analyze social problems, they should
not only applaud government policy but also be sensitive to the
people's plight.
Abdurrahman said Moslems -- especially NU members -- should
remain independent and not depend on the authorities too much .
"I've always told NU members to try and be able to help
themselves. This may eventually make for a balanced relationship
with the government," he said. (har/31)