Unfortunate precedent

It is indeed very sad that our country and government tolerates fanatical groups of people that dictate their will upon others. I'm talking about the forced closure of the Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) headquarters in Parung, Bogor.

The followers of Ahmadiyah have been known for their tolerance to other religions. They have not been involved in any acts of vandalism or mayhem.

Now we have read that the regent of Bogor has instructed the closure of the Ahmadiyah center. A month or so ago the "lord mayor" of Padang also decreed that all female students irrespective of their religion must observe the Islamic dress code.

Indonesia is a secular country based on secular sets of laws, no mayor or regent or even the regional Council has the right to decide on matters that are not within their authority. If they are allowed to do whatever they want, they will set an unfortunate precedent. The central government must show their authority and quash any such unconstitutional aberrations.

PAUL E. RANTAU Singapore