Dialogue even with radical Islam to stop intolerance
Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Religious intolerance is increasing in the area of Jakarta in Indonesia, especially among ordinary people. This has been confirmed by surveys carried out by rights. An exclusive interview with AsiaNews, a father Benny Susetyo, secretary of the Interfaith Commission of the Bishops' Conference of Indonesia (KWI).
The Setara Institute, a religion study group based in Central Jakarta, has confirmed as the outcome of its latest survey conducted between October and November last among 1,200 people from different districts of Jakarta, Bogar, Depo, Tangerang , Bekasi. About 50% of respondents said they were totally opposed to religious buildings of other faiths in their area, very topical issue in the country. The most intolerant district is Bekasi, where - the study shows - "74% of respondents indicated that they would reject any (Christian) place to worship."
In recent months Islamic extremist groups violently opposed the construction of a Protestant Christian Batak Church. Muslims accuse Christians of "proselytism" among Muslims. Two pastors were stabbed.
Even a recent report by the International Crisis Group warned the Indonesian government of growing intolerance of Islamist groups against Christians in the greater Jakarta area, which is likely to disintegrate the social fabric and peaceful coexistence that has existed for decades.
In December 2008, Father Susetyo was kidnapped and beaten by unknown assailants (see photo). Now he explains to AsiaNews that continuous dialogue is essential to reduce the conflict as KWI has always encouraged. "Many problems between the Christian and Muslim - he says - can be caused by a lack of mutual knowledge and understanding. For this reason the Church must be open to continuous dialogue. "
The KWI, in addition to interpersonal dialogue, "has not only authorized the Commission to intensify inter-religious dialogue and confrontation with the main moderate Islamic organizations such as Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah, but also with more radical Islamic groups, such as the Islamic Defender Front (FPI).
Father Susetyo adds that on 1 September 2010 the Bishop Johannes Pujasumarta, chairman of the interfaith commission, was visited by FPI leader Habib Rizieq Shihab, along with his close associates, for a constructive dialogue to reduce tensions between the faithful of the two religions, even in anticipation of possible problems for the announced initiative "Burn the Koran" scheduled for Sept. 11 by an American pastor (an initiative that was cancelled on the heels of worldwide protests).
"The KWI - continues the priest - has put aside the longstanding refusal to dialogue with the Islamic extremists. Despite the widespread skepticism of many Catholic groups, this dialogue has opened a constructive atmosphere of mutual understanding. "
Even Kiai Hajj Hasym, former head of NU, warned at a meeting of the National Indonesian anti-terror Angency, that Islamic radicalism is rising among college students.
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