Muslim leaders form new caucus to better ties
Kurniawan Hari and Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A recent series of meetings among Muslim politicians have fueled speculation that they were an effort to form an Islamic caucus, apparently aimed at improving ties and countering the nationalist-oriented Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan).
The new caucus of Muslim figures from numerous organizations and political parties has convened three times since it was informally formed two weeks ago.
In the past three meetings, no PDI Perjuangan leaders were invited to attend the forum.
Achmad Tirto Sudiro, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals (ICMI), said the new forum was established to harmonize opinions and visions among its members.
"If it (PDI Perjuangan) has Muslim leaders who are interested in joining the forum, please come," he said here on Friday.
Achmad, who is also chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), hosted the maiden meeting.
He declined to comment on whether the new caucus was aimed at repairing strained ties among Muslim figures and joining forces to take power from the nationalist camp.
On Thursday, Amien Rais chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN) said that the meeting was a forum for Muslim leaders to cope with conflicting opinions on numerous issues, especially the increasing call for the implementation of Islamic syariah (law).
"I think there has been a consensus among political parties to skip the syariah issue, because it contradicts the Constitution's preamble," he said, referring to the Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom.
He denied that the meeting was a political forum in anticipation of the general election in 2004.
Solahuddin Wahid, the deputy chairman of the largest Muslim organization, Nadhlatul Ulama, said it was impossible to implement Islamic law as long as corrupt and collusive practices were rampant, especially among state officials.
Hamdan Zoelva, a legislator of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), admitted that he attended the caucus meetings at the invitation of PAN deputy chairman A.M. Luthfi.
According to Hamdan, the meeting was a forum for a silaturahmi (brotherhood meeting) among Muslims.
Separately, Vice President Hamzah Haz appreciated the caucus, saying it was expected to enhance ties among Muslim leaders and quell the difference of opinions.
"We hope conflict can be avoided (with this caucus) and a more conducive atmosphere can be created for the upcoming Annual Session," Hamzah said after Friday prayers at the Al-Azhar mosque in East Jakarta.
Hamzah, who also chairs the United Development Party (PPP), brushed off speculation that it was aimed at uniting Muslim leaders to face the next elections.
"The purpose is to bring together people's perceptions in relation to the 1945 Constitutional amendment and economic recovery so that the 2004 election can be carried out effectively," he said.
Meanwhile, Jakob Tobing, a politician from PDI Perjuangan, called on all sides to be unbiased toward the new caucus, saying that forums were needed among politicians to discuss many issues for the nation's good.
"Perhaps we will be invited to its next meeting," Tobing said.
The fourth and fifth meetings will be held at the residences of PPP secretary-general Alimarwan Hanan and Syaifullah Yusuf, the secretary-general of the National Awakening Party (PKB).