Nationalism and religion

From DeTik

I fail to comprehend why our various intellectual organizations are now being called sectarian since all of them have adopted the principle of nationalism.

I believe that these organizations, which include the Association of Moslem Intellectuals and its Catholic, Hindu and Christian counterparts are eager to apply their own religions' principles through their respective organizations.

Indeed setting up organizations is their right and I also believe that such steps do not reduce their sense of nationalism. Why are they accused of being anti-nationalists?

Because of my lack of information, I also find it hard to understand the meaning of nationalism as prescribed by the Head of the Supreme Advisory Council, Sudomo.

When he was the Commander of Kopkamtib security agency, he charged that Gen. (ret) A.H. Nasution, M. Natsir, Lt. Gen. (ret) Ali Sadikin and other dissidents as well as student activists were not 'Pancasila-ist'.

Sudomo said that their activities were threatening stability, and these allegations were reason enough for him to ban them from speaking in public forums, attending official receptions and traveling abroad.

But now, I think I fully understand that what he means by those who uphold and apply Pancasila and are dedicated to this country are people like businessman Eddy Tansil.

MUHAMMAD N. CHORQI

Demangan village,

Magelang,

Central Java