Parties told to avoid religious symbols

JAKARTA: The Muhammadiyah Youth Organization urged on Wednesday Muslim-based political parties to refrain from exploiting religious symbols and verses from the Koran during the election campaign.

Abdul Mu'ti, chairman of the organization, said the exploitation of Islamic symbols for political gain violated the principles of the election.

"It will set a bad precedent for the people," he said.

The youth group also voiced opposition to the recent visits by a number of politicians, including Golkar Party leader Akbar Tandjung, Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri, National Mandate Party (PAN) leader Amien Rais, National Awakening Party (PKB) founder Abdurrahman Wahid, Concern for the Nation Functional Party (PKPB) presidential candidate Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, to influential ulema seeking their blessings for the elections.

"The paternalistic culture is deep rooted in our country. Ulema are still public figures who can influence people's political opinions," Mu'ti said.

He asked political parties not to make empty promises or to incite hatred between followers of different religions and political parties.

Among the Muslim-based political parties contesting the elections are the United Development Party (PPP), the Prosperous Justice Party, the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and the Reform Star Party. -- JP