Right to worship

Right to worship

From Forum Keadilan

Our intention to visit a number of musholla (small building
set aside for worship) during Ramadhan near our madrasah
(institution of learning) was not allowed by Abdurrahman, the
Timanggajah district head in Central Aceh. He said that one of
our lecturers, Maulida, was a United Development Party activist
and its district treasurer. However, he teaches at another of our
institutions. The district head would only permit our visits if
Maulida resigned from the party in writing. That was not
possible, so we canceled the program of the Ramadhan visits.

I appeal for justice in this country that bases itself on
Pancasila, which is said to give precedence to unity. I am
convinced that citizens, including citizens such as Maulida, have
the right to address the community. Does the Timanggajah district
head have special rights? Or should we close the school while he
is in charge just because one of the teachers is a member of a
political party?

SALMAN AMIN

Timanggajah, Aceh