Mission "Possible" in world's most Islamic country
I visited Indonesia a few months ago, along with Italian Xaverian missionaries working there since 1951. My general impression was this: until 40-50 years ago there weren't anti-Western or anti- Christian sentiments among the general populace. Then Koranic preachers arrived, sent by "oil countries" (Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Libya), who spread cruel ideologies about the Christian community. They spoke about economically and technologically powerful Christians as threatening fundamental beliefs in Allah and the Islamic way of life with their "atheism" and "corrupt practices". They said a "Jihad" (Holy War) must be waged in order to defeat such modern paganism. They spoke about wealthy "ulemas" of the Middle East who founded "madrassas" (Islamic schools) and mosques. In general they preached not about the Koran, but about anti-Western ideology, enlightening the mass media, publishing houses, higher education and cultural institutions to spread their version of the "Word".
In the mid-1980s the Indonesian government prohibited residency to all foreigners wishing to settle in Indonesia, as part of a special effort to drive out extremist groups upsetting the country's social and religious order.
At any rate, Indonesia's cultural and political climate strongly favors Islam. And yet, while the government is secular and respects all religions, there are often outbreaks of religious intolerance, especially on islands where there are large numbers of Christians (e.g. Sulawesi and Moluccas islands), with over 500 churches burnt down since 1995. However, even in Suamatra (the most Islamisized island), where Christians form 2-3% of the population, I witnessed real cases of persecution in which Christian villages were burned, permits were denied for building new chapels, churches and chapels were attacked, Christians were continuously accused of "proselytizing"; yet when a Christian converts to Islam, the press reports it as if it were a national victory
Some analysts say that Indonesian Islam is "talebanizing". But common opinion denies this. The two most important Islamic parties, "Muhammadiya" and "Nahdlatul Ulama", strongly condemn Islamic terrorism (in Bali I saw the frighteningly huge hole in the ground caused by the Oct. 2002 explosion in a discotheque frequented by Australian tourists). Moreover, they promote meeting and dialoging with Christians. The most influential Islamic preacher on national television, Abdullah Gymnastiar, never criticizes neither the West nor Christians, but preaches about the return to traditional Islamic customs, the importance of family, love for one's neighbor, tolerance and peace. The vast majority of people, according to missionaries, are tolerant and appreciative of Christian Churches who have spearheaded many educational projects and have given assistance to the poorest of the poor. In Indonesia, discussion groups are flourishing among the followers of Mohamed and Christ, not only on a national level, but also in many local tense situations. The Bishops Conference is also involved. Xaverian missionary students of theology in Jakarta attend "Padi kasi" ("Love Rice") meetings. In Padang (Sumatra) missionaries from the Parma congregation have started up the "Pusaka" (Intercommunity Study Center) with the help of the "St. Egidio Community" present in the counrty to promote such dialog."The problem, however, as one missionary told me, is that tolerance for us means 'everyone can present their own opinion'. For them it means 'you're Christian and you're wrong'; but I am tolerant and won't kill you; however you can't spread your faith'. If Christians increase in number, it means that you're prosylitizing and so I must intervene to put a stop to this wound in our nation's side."
It must be said that, despite fundamental tensions and clashes, the Indonesian government and elite appreciate Christian Churches and are aware that Christianity has an edge over Islam. They told me that among the 300 ethnic communities living in Indonesia, there are sometimes clashes of opinion, fighting and small battles. The government acts as a "Reconciliation Committee" that goes on site to gather village and clan heads together and makes them talk to one another to reach a peaceful compromise. The government always chooses a Christian to direct such committees. I asked why and a high up official told me: "You Christians always talk about forgiveness. You have a sense of unselfishness and universality, that is, you know how to overcome ethnic divisions."
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