Islamic extremists threaten Christian radio

Radio Suara Gratia broadcasts a programme for Christian communities in Cirebon. Local Islamic groups claim this is proselytism and say the radio should stop its transmissions.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Islamic extremists in Indonesia have launched a campaign to close a Christian radio station, accusing it of proselytism. Radio Suara Gratia, "The Voice of Grace" is based in Cirebon – 250km east of Jakarta. At the end of April, members of the Muslim Community Front (FUI) and the Anti-Separatism Youth Movement (GAPAS) ordered the radio managers to stop airing programmes. Andi Mulia of the FUI justified the move by saying: "Suara Gratia says the special program was specially launched and is aired for Christian-based communities. But we have found that their broadcasting licence is for general use. As Cirebon is widely known for its predominantly Muslim-based community, the program is irrelevant."

The FUI activist said the radio had secretly launched a programme for proselytism. Taufik, the head of GAPAS in Cirebon, agreed: "A programme for Christians will really disorient Muslim citizens. If they do not stop their transmissions, it means their intention is to proselytise."

Jimmy Gideon, director of Suara Gratia said: "Not all programs broadcast are of a religious nature or have Christian content. At fixed times, we do transmit a special program for Christian communities, but this has not broken regulations, although we had the licence for general use."

A meeting between Kia Haj Bajri – FUI leader – and Gideon did not lead to anything. FUI is insisting on the complete closure of the programmes because "they infringe the joint ministerial decree about proclamation of religious beliefs (also known by Indonesian Muslims as dakwah)". He added "Such practices should be undertaken in church not over the radio."

• INDONESIA
• religious
• freedom
• minorities
• human
• rights
• freedom
• of
• expression
• christians
• muslims