Indonesia criticizes Dutch film critical of Islam

The Associated Press ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 03/28/2008 6:41 PM  |  Headlines

Mostly Muslim Indonesia has strongly condemned a film by a Dutch lawmaker that is critical of Islam, saying Friday that it was misleading and would hurt efforts at
interfaith dialogue.

Anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders released the film over the Internet late Thursday after publicizing its release for months.

The Dutch government had warned Wilders that the film could spark a violent backlash in the Islamic world similar to the one that occurred two years ago following publication of cartoons of the
Prophet Muhammad.

"We consider the contents of the film to be misleading and full of racism," said Indonesia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Kristiarto Legowo. "We also consider the production of the film an
irresponsible action done under the blanket of freedom of the press."

The 15-minute film intersperses verses from the Quran that apparently condone attacks on non-Muslims with bloody scenes of recent terrorist attacks and hateful speeches by extremists.

Legowo said the film would hurt international efforts to promote interfaith dialogue.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation. It saw large, mostly peaceful protests against the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Reaction to the Muhammad cartoons was muted compared to other Muslim nations. (***)

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Chris (not verified) — Tue, 04/01/2008 - 10:38am

I do not like the fact that a film like this is available to see for anyone. It indeed preaches the same hate as he seems to hate so much.

Fact is though, that Islam is NOT A RACE!
So to call the film rascist is utter nonsense!
Muslims love to see themselves as brothers, but they are bonded by religion and not be race, which is a big difference.

People should think about that.
As much as Wilders says it is "them against us", muslims are often guilty of that same thought pattern.

Mark Austin (not verified) — Sat, 03/29/2008 - 2:13pm

"We also consider the production of the film an
irresponsible action done under the blanket of freedom of the press"

Is that the freedom of press in Indonesia you are talking about Legowo? Hardly a blanket, more like a snot rag!

Jan R. Scheele (not verified) — Sat, 03/29/2008 - 11:04am

Dear Sirs,

I like to respond to your article concerning the anti Islam movie , made by one of my Dutch citizens. I sincerely appologize for the way the islamic religian has been portraited. ( my wife Indonesian ), and myself are staying in Dubai , UAE and fully agree with your judgement. Freedom of expression should never be used to insult other people or groups of people. Please be assured that only a handfull of the Dutch people agree with this nonsense. We trust that under the wise leadership of President SBY, this will be made understood to the Indonesian people , which we love and respect.

Frans (not verified) — Sat, 03/29/2008 - 9:06am

This film maker is as stupid and shortsighted as the people he condemns, extremists who indoctrinate the ignorants. It is a pity that it is so easy to make a film like this with fragments of all kinds of abusive speeches. It is more difficult to make a film that proves the fact that most Mulsims are peaceful and respectful people. It is high time that the true believers show the world the real meaning of the Koran and instruct their governments accordingly.

ANTA (not verified) — Sat, 03/29/2008 - 1:29am

Muslim should learn from this film. And hope MUI will not provoke Indonesian Muslim to become very radical in protesting this film.stay in cool is better.

Melanie (not verified) — Fri, 03/28/2008 - 11:17pm

There's nothing new in the film. One thing for sure, it is not the RELIGION but it is the PEOPLE. But to generalize Islam in that way is just as ignorant as saying all Dutch people are like Wilders.

I would really love to show the western world how Indonesia deals with its diversity. But unfortunately, negative things are most likely to be heard more than the positive ones.

As moderate moslims we need to speak out more! spread the love!!!

ps: I do agree that the Indonesian gov tend to be really soft to those extremist.

Orang Belanda (not verified) — Fri, 03/28/2008 - 7:58pm

I am also ashamed about the movie and with me a lot of my country men. The movie is 'out of sync' and tries to link extremist islam with the Koran (which is of course not correct). Especially for Indonesians this is probably hard to understand, as most Indonesians are very moderate in their Islamic beliefs and live together in peace with other religions. I am Balinese Hindu since 2005, when I married with a Balinese girl that I met just after the Bali bomb blast. We live now together in Holland and of course meet with other Indonesians. We celebrate together with Christians and Moslims, because we are connected to Indonesia.

It is however difficult for me to see more and more signs of extremist islam in Indonesia. It is strange for me that Abu Bakar Bashir got away with a very light sentence of 2,5 years of imprisonment and currently preaches hatred against tourist again. It is strange for me that the Bali Bombers are still waiting for their death penalty and it apparently happens time and time again that their penalties are postponed.

Indonesia should take more action to prevent any form of extremism and stay the beautiful and peaceful country that is today. Indonesia should also be wise and understand the greatness of their heritage and culture. Be proud Indonesians to be Indonesian! Fight all forms of extremism and live in peace and harmony.

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