Khairil Azhar, Jakarta Post:
Shortly after the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945, a mob of Muslims hurriedly moved to Tugu Church in North Jakarta. They wanted to destroy the church since it was understood to be a symbol of colonialism during the Dutch era.
On the arrival of the enraged horde, a Muslim leader, Haji Usman, stood between them and the church. He sensibly took a risk, even with the possibility that he would lose his life. In the end, he climbed a ladder triumphantly. The mob cancelled its plans and dismissed itself……….
AHMADIS LIVING IN SHELTERS: Can we initiate a discussion with our workmates & our families at a dinner table about how the future of the children of the Ahmadis and the Shiites is in jeopardy due to religious tensions?
In the time being, we somehow have to depend on existing religious organizations and their influential figures. Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, despite their internal theological disputes related to “blasphemy”, must help to police the frauds in our society. At least then we can see them play important roles in the “religious game of violence”, without any more blood being spilled.
While we are hoping that a critical juncture in our history will happen soon, civilizing ourselves and people around us is another alternative.
The writer is a researcher at the Paramadina Foundation, Jakarta.