Politicians and religion

Whatever the reason, flare-ups linked to SARA (sensitive issues related to differences among ethnic groups, religions, races and population groups) have become more frequent. In the wake of the recent incidents in East Timor, the peace has become rather disturbed in our society. It appears that the incidents in East Timor have caused a rather prolonged resonance.

Whether or not the authorities are aware of it, parents in Jakarta have been rather concerned these past few days. Certain private schools are being threatened by young people who also wear school uniforms. Leaflets inciting SARA-related emotions have been circulating freely.

What triggered all this was -- aside from the East Timor disturbances which have been blown up by certain sections of the mass media -- a seemingly fabricated report that an act was committed at a certain school in one of the provinces that hurt the feelings of followers of another religion.

Religion is a highly sensitive aspect of people's lives. So sensitive is this subject that even minor collisions can lead to disaster. This is all the more true when such collisions are intentionally caused for political purposes.

Mature believers are able to appreciate other people's faiths. Mature believers are those who do not force their beliefs on others. This awareness has so far created harmony in this republic.

This harmony is easily disturbed whenever believers start to think that politicians can become true defenders of their faith. Experience shows that politicians rarely become martyrs, but politicians who turn religion into a commodity are plentiful.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta