Ulemas urged to fight fanaticism

Ulemas urged to fight fanaticism

JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that Ulemas can reduce fanaticism among people by teaching them about Islam completely and correctly.

It is important to learn a religion completely and correctly because, usually, fanaticism is in the mind of those who studied and learned a religion only partially.

"Fanaticism is a narrow-minded attitude, and those who have it always claim to be right and say others are wrong. This is very dangerous," he said in a meeting with ulemas on Wednesday.

The meeting held at the City Hall was meant to develop communication between the administration and Ulemas before Ramadhan. Jakarta Military Chief, Maj.Gen Wiranto, and the City Police Chief, Maj.Gen. Dibyo Widodo attended the meeting.

The governor also said that there was an indication that fanatics use religious meetings to denounce people of other religions. "Therefore, I urge ulemas to guide Moslems to a better understanding of Islam," he said.(yns)