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