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)