MUI on conversion

MUI on conversion

I would like to comment on some passages of your front page
article Conversion cause of concern among MUI branches (The
Jakarta Post, July 28).

While I was casually reading the article I thought "are we
being colonized again? Are foreign fighters entering our beloved
Indonesian territory? Are we being attacked?"

Upon reading more carefully I realized the article must be
describing a very dangerous and contagious disease. Maybe it is
the much talked about avian influenza having reached an airborne
human to human stage, or (God forbid) Ebola. Then I thought "what
has the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) got to do with all this?"
Maybe an edict will be passed soon regarding the eating of
poultry.

Unfortunately, it is even worse. It is Christians who try to
invade the country with their evil preaching and their heretical
churches and their treacherous food and ways.

Knowing that many Indonesians may look at the MUI for
spiritual or social guidance besides our daily nutrition, I just
feel assured that they will really handle this Christianity
threat with all their wisdom and tact.

After all, these wise guys really make me sleep in total peace
and harmony at night while quoting some comforting statements of
several MUI branches' reports:

"The phenomenon of the construction of churches in the
province (Jambi) is most disturbing." And "We do not understand
how a non-muslim won the election". " We will be sure it will not
happen next time (in Bangka-Belitung regency)"

But nothing beats the following remark: "We are proud to
report there is not a single church in Cilegon to this day and
this is how we intend to keep it".

Thank you MUI branches for showing such a blanket of safety. I
can't wait to read some comforting reports of the branches in
Ambon, Medan, Manado, Poso, Jayapura, Kupang, Maumere and many
other evil places.

ASHER TAURAN
Jakarta