Religious tolerance needed

The inauguration speech of our new president was very encouraging: "Indonesia is determined to become a voice that promotes peace, increases prosperity and defends justice. Indonesia will continue to grow as a democratic, open, modern, pluralistic and tolerant nation."

This is where Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono must start, by creating a democratic, open, modern, pluralistic, tolerant, peaceful and just society for all citizens that is free of all kinds of discrimination.

The news surrounding the "blocking" of Sang Timur Karang Tengah Catholic School in Ciledug by individuals calling themselves the Karang Tengah Islamic Youth Front has been disturbing to many -- including Muslims like myself -- but the authorities have not intervened. Rather, the subdistrict administration has given into the demands of this group and allowed them to erect a wall outside the school, blocking the students' and teachers' access to the front gate.

This, even after the priest had signed a statement that the school would no longer hold religious activities within the premises.

What kind of a society is this, if the strong can bully the weak under the public gaze and in sight of authorities who, while they are supposed to protect citizens regardless of race, color or religion, turn a blind eye to such abuse?

The school has been accused of Christianization, lately a favorite term among radicals. If one has strong faith in their religion, they do not fear external influence. Those whose faith is weak will be easily swayed, with or without external factors.

We should reflect internally and gauge the strength of our own faith. If we believe in our chosen religion and its teachings, we will never feel the desire to attack another religion, much less to bully minorities.

Led by their primitive, blind brand of faith, narrow-minded fanatics around the world have brought Islam and moderate -- but true -- Muslims like us to shame through their brutal actions.

The real victims, however, are innocent citizens who are simply exercising their right to religion.

SW TJAHJONO, Jakarta