Return to pre-Kartini era?

Upon reading an article in the June 4 edition of The Jakarta Post about a group of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) clerics who said women should not become president, I was really amazed and considered it to be degrading to women.

If their capabilities are proven, why should they not be allowed to become leaders? Wasn't Cut Nyak Dhien a warrior and a great female leader? Will Indonesian women be forced back into the era before Kartini, who fought for women's emancipation?

I strongly agree with the rector who said the fatwa was a step back for Indonesian democracy. Eep Syaifullah Fatah, a political analyst, raised the question: How will Indonesia progress if Koranic verses are still used to justify a political stance? He also believes this is a kind of child's politics.

As a devout Muslim woman, I am really disappointed that the sacred verses are being manipulated for political purposes.

Let the people vote for the president and vice president of their choice, in accordance with their consciences.

DRG. SUSILOWATI R. Jakarta