What's wrong with Gus Dur

Most western observers acknowledge that Islam in Indonesia is a little bit different from that in other countries. Compared to Middle Eastern countries or in South Asia, Islam in Indonesia looks very calm and tolerant. However, Indonesian Moslems are quite sensitive. Although they look tolerant, when their religious principles are insulted their emotions are spontaneously aroused. Indonesian Moslems protesting against the weekly tabloid Monitor, and against the wrong usage of the word Assalamu 'alaikum by an artist is still fresh in many people's minds.

Controversial Abdurrahman Wahid's visit to Jordan to witness the signing of peace agreement between Israel and Jordan has ignited the emotions of Indonesian Moslems. In a noisy rally at the Al-Azhar Grand Mosque, the Moslem youths described Gus Dur as "agent of Zionism."

Two questions must be answered. First, what encouraged Gus Dur to accept Israel's invitation? Second, are Moslems, including the ulemas, right in protesting and condemning Gus Dur's visit to Israel? The answer to these questions is by no means easy. I would like to comment on this.

In the first place, Gus Dur is not stupid. He is brilliant, so he knows what he's doing. His commitment to Islam is absolute. What he has done is in the interest of Moslems and nation. He does not crave a position. He is also very concerned about the fate of unfortunate people. From all this I conclude that there may be a blessing in disguise in his accepting Israel's invitation. No one knows why Gus Dur visited Israel.

I think Moslems should try to tolerate and understand other people's thoughts and not hastily condemn or blame them for doing otherwise. I'd like to remind my fellow Moslems of the holy doctrine: Differences of opinions among our ummat is God's blessing.

BASRI

Denpasar, Bali