RI a model of Islamic tolerance: Americans

RI a model of Islamic tolerance: Americans

JAKARTA (JP): Two American Moslem leaders who are in town say
that Indonesia is a model of Islamic tolerance.

The two leaders, Mujahid Ramadan and Susan Douglass, both from
the Washington-based American Muslim Council, are currently in
Indonesia as guests of the Indonesian government to observe the
Islamic community in Indonesia.

"Indonesia is the best model for Islamic tolerance. In this
country, Islam can be practiced alongside other faiths," Ramadan
told The Jakarta Post giving his first impression.

"Though your government is dominated by Moslems, it does not
prevent other religions from developing," Ramadan, vice president
of the Council, said on Monday.

Douglass said she was particularly impressed at the Indonesian
women. "I am so surprised that Moslem women have so big a role in
this country's development. This is an amazing model of
implementation of Islamic teachings," she said.

Their 10-day itinerary in Indonesia includes visits to Islamic
organizations, schools, hospitals and meetings with Moslem
leaders in Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Aceh, and Ujung Pandang.

"Your country, your President, your Minister of Religious
Affairs and many of the people we met here are testimony to what
Islam is all about. I am very encouraged," Ramadan said.

The council will learn from Indonesia how Islamic teachings
are being implemented in the right way, not only in politics but
also in life, Ramadan said.

The American Muslim Council was established in 1988 with only
15 members. Today, the organization, with headquarters in the
Washington D.C. has dozens of chapters in 13 different states,
including, New York, New Jersey, Las Vegas and Philadelphia with
a membership of approximately 2,000.

Ramadan said the council is also becoming politically
influential. In addition to its 2,000 members, American Moslems
now total seven million and they represent a powerful block vote
at elections.

AMC was one of the forces that pushed the United States to
become more involved in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ramadan said.

Douglass said she has learned about how Indonesian Moslem
women are accepted in the country's development programs.

"There are so many Moslem women in this country who are
successful in their career, without taking off their jilbabs,"
she said, referring to the Indonesian term for the veil or
headdress worn by Moslem women.

Douglass said most American women still regard Islam as a
religion which limits their freedom.

"They think a woman's role in Islam is zero," she added.

Douglass, who works as a freelance writer, said she will write
about Islam in Indonesia, and especially Moslem women. (01)