'The design is artistic, nothing more'

Rock band Dewa was reported to the city police by a number of Muslim organizations led by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) last Monday for using the Arabic word for Allah on the cover of its Laskar Cinta (Soldier of Love) album. The organizations accused Dewa of blasphemy and demanded a public apology. The Jakarta Post asked people in the capital to comment on the issue.

Melisa, 25, is a shop owner in South Jakarta. She lives in Tangerang.

Come on, I think it is okay for Dewa to have the Allah symbol on the cover of its album. I see it as gratitude toward God and it's not meant to offend anyone. I don't think that anyone outside the FPI is offended.

For me, it does not matter where people want to put the symbol as long as it is not meant to be offensive.

Dewa has the right to use the symbol and from the freedom of speech point of view, I think it is the band members' right as a group of Muslim youths.

Cecilia Yuda, 21, is a research assistant working in North Jakarta. She lives in Muara Karang, North Jakarta.

Music is an artistic expression. Sometimes, I think in Indonesia, people are a little bit sensitive when it comes to race or religion. They are easily offended, and think that it is such a big deal while, overseas, people are allowed to speak their minds.

I see Dewa's cover as art and artists pour out their feelings in any way that pleases them. Not everybody appreciates art, but that doesn't mean it should be censored for no reason other than a misunderstanding.

If the symbol had been blended with negative images, such as the devil or snakes, then it would be offensive. But it was not altered, so it does not matter.