NU - Muhammadiyah cooperation

NU - Muhammadiyah cooperation

We welcome the meeting between Indonesia's two largest Muslim
organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah.

The positive impact of the meeting at NU's headquarters at the
beginning of the new year will be felt throughout 2002, as the
amicable relationship is intended to make a positive contribution
to the people and the nation.

The two social and religious organizations have a combined
total of at least 70 million members, not including sympathizers
and associated networks.

Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama have agreed to conduct a
moral movement to exhibit the peaceful and merciful face of
Indonesia's Islam. The vicious side so far has been spurred by
the absence of certainties in law enforcement, justice and unity.

However, as stated by the Muhammadiyah chairman, Prof. Syafii
Ma'arif, no Muslim should play the role of a judge and kill human
beings in the name of God.

The vicious side is also caused by other factors - as
indicated by conflicts in several areas - such as: the changes in
population composition and socio-economic and socio-political
positions.

When these changes, which have produced disharmony and a sense
of injustice, were not immediately dealt with, the situation
opened up opportunities for third parties to interfere.

-- Kompas, Jakarta