'We should put aside the differences among us'

The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued a number of edicts banning pluralism and liberalism, including a prohibition on Muslims attending prayer sessions led or attended by non-Muslims. The Jakarta Post asked residents for their thoughts on the issue.

Sonny Hoke, 53, is an employee of a publishing company. He lives in Cawang, East Jakarta:

I think in order to strengthen the unity of our nation, which consists of different cultures and beliefs, we should put aside differences that might tear us apart.

And a belief or a religion should reflect a relationship between humans and their God or gods.

The MUI edicts, I think, were quite extreme. I believe that Indonesia won its freedom because of the prayers of people of all faiths in the country, not because of a certain religion of belief.

I'm afraid the edicts could trigger dissension among our people.

Peggy Danet, 35, is a mother of two daughters. She lives in Pancoran, South Jakarta:

Our country is based on Pancasila (the country's philosophy, which is based on pluralism) as Indonesians have different ethnicities, religions and languages. And Indonesia is not a state that follows a particular religion but one with a legal system.

Why did the MUI issue such contradicting edicts against pluralism and liberalism? The MUI should not involve itself in politics like that, but should address micro matters, for example conflicts or controversy.

I think the MUI should review the relevant problems before issuing such edicts. Other Muslim groups, who support pluralism, are against the MUI's edicts.

-- The Jakarta Post