Promoting peace and brotherhood

Promoting peace and brotherhood

When I opened The Jakarta Post of Jan.3, 2002 and saw the
front page, a surge of relief and happiness went through me and,
as an Indonesian, I had never felt so happy before. Indonesia's
biggest Muslim organizations, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and
Muhammadiyah are urging the country's Muslims to promote peace
and brotherhood with people of other regions.

I think it might not be a bad idea to apply this not only to
people of other regions but, very importantly, also among Muslims
ourselves because in the Muslim ranks it is well known that we
have hard liners, namely the Laskar Jihad (Islamic holy war
force) and Islam Defenders Front (FPI).

This is important because in The Jakarta Post it was also
mentioned that when they meet nationalist groups or socialist
groups or even foreigners, they express concern that the face of
Islam here will become increasingly brutal, while among
nationalists and socialists we also find Muslims.

Another thing mentioned, which should be a harsh reminder, is
the call to place the country's integrity before all else. This
should be seriously taken into consideration by the separatist
Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which is a Muslim separatist group.

But politicians should see this meeting as a valuable lesson
in their political struggles, which should be based on real
democracy, which in turn is based on understanding and tolerance
and honoring other groups' views and standpoints.

I am happy that our New Year has started with such a big
present to the nation and I hope it will not become just hollow
words.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta