South Sulawesi: Islamic radical groups against new Christian school

Protests mounted by a local politician in Pare-Pare against the opening of a new school. The Gamaliel School's Foundation: We have all the permits and our classes are open to students of all denominations. Muslim influencer in defence of the school appeals to President Joko Widodo: ‘Show that unity in diversity paraded in front of Pope Francis are not just words’.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Some local radical Muslims are promoting a new wave of protests against the establishment of a Christian school in the town of Pare-Pare, South Sulawesi province. The group calls itself the Forum of the Muslim Society of Parepare (FM2P) and accuses the Gamaliel School's Foundation of not having the legal basis to build an educational service in the sub-district of Watang Soreang. The protest was taken to the local government headquarters (DPRD) last Friday, with the aim of having the permits granted by the Pare-Pare authority revoked.

Citing a 2021 regulation of the Indonesian Ministry of Education, they claim that ‘any Christian educational institution is only allowed to be built where there is no public rejection’. ‘In Soreang,’ they add, ’there are still many schools whose student numbers are still below expectations. The Gamaliel School's Foundation replies by pointing out that all requirements have been fully met and completed by October 2023. The school's lawyer, Rachmat S Lulung, also recalled how this Christian school is an inclusive educational institution, ‘open to all Indonesian students’.

A local Pare-Pare politician, Kamaluddin Kadir, is also publicly supporting the protesters' disagreement, citing the fact that the school is located in a Muslim-majority area. However, Permadi Arya, a Muslim influencer, has taken a stand against his comments, appealing to President Joko Widodo by recalling Pope Francis' visit a few weeks ago. ‘President Jokowi,’ he wrote on social media, ’please show your power to protect our Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the spirit of the nation in ensuring unity in diversity, which you publicly upheld in front of the pontiff. If she does not have the courage to do so, it will mean that they were just empty words'.

• Indonesia
• South Soulawesi
• Islam
• Joko Widodo
• Pope Francis