The basis of solidarity

The basis of solidarity

The past week was a tumultuous and exhausting one. It was
tumultuous because Jakarta and other big cities seemed to have
turned into miniature battlefronts between the U.S. and
Afghanistan. In Jakarta it was as if Kabul was in the Monas
Square and the White House on Jl. Merdeka Selatan.

All the mass activity took place in the name of solidarity
with the Afghans who were suffering unjustly due to U.S. actions
to destroy the Al-Qaeda.

Solidarity turned into anger when the religious factor came
into play. The notion evolved that the U.S. attack on Afghanistan
was a reflection of hatred against Islam.

The past week was also exhausting because of the problems that
emerged. The government suddenly found itself in a most difficult
situation due to demands for the severance of diplomatic ties
with the U.S.

This is the problem when we build solidarity based on
religion. When 1,000 or 2,000 people get angry because of
religious sentiments, all avenues of dialog are shut. Then there
is only intolerant self-righteousness, which is frightening.

Let us lead a healthy political and religious life, let's have
solidarity based on humanism, which is much more neutral and more
amenable to discussion.

If we use the religious argument, we will be like those who
wish to go to the moon but, in the process of making their wish
come true, destroy the world they live in.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta