Religious tolerance needed
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