Syaifullah yudha (not verified) — Sat, 05/17/2008 - 2:10pm

The local government knows better what they're dealing with. First, they're not dealing with a religion recognized by Indonesian law. Of course they have to protect the people , the Ahmadis, but not the teaching: Ahmadiyya. Second, the sect is a heresy, a word that also means 'parasite' for a certain religion. It happens that Islam being 'parasited' is one of the official religions in Indonesia. Muslim followers then entitle to protection from such offender, by law. Third, human rights do not apply to the case of Ahmadiyya, or other sects that parasiting established religions. How comes law is being so one-sided, accusing the Muslims violate the human rights by rejecting Ahmadiyya and not judging so to Ahmadiyya for their deed toward the Muslim? Last but not least, The Muslims have offered them friendly options: coming back to Islam , or else break off from Islam in peace. It seems to me that religion becoming a personal choice does not make it a personal matter. Preaching a teaching that deviates from Islam and claiming it as the true Islam at the same time is undoubtedly a serious social matter. If not to the non-Muslims, then to the Muslims.

Rafiq Mahmood (not verified) — Thu, 05/15/2008 - 6:41pm

Cimahi, Sukabumi and Kuningan have not banned Ahmadiyya because it is impossible to ban what is in people's hearts. What they have done is to unilaterally ban the Central Government and suspended the Republic's constitution by acting ultra vires.

If an aspirant for independence can get life imprisonment for dancing and waving a flag, what punishment do these rogue mayors deserve? They have effectively taken their municipalities outside the ambit of the Republic. Are we going to end up with a patchwork of mini states each issuing edicts about what beliefs can and cannot be practised within their borders? Let them stick to repairing the dreadful roads, rubbish collection and mosquito control.

The police's role is to stop people hurting each other or stealing or destroying property. The Government's role is to defend the country and the economy and environment. The municipalities' job is to maintain their areas and provide essential services. None of these agencies are doing a particularly good job at the moment so they shouldn't waste time or precious resources worrying about religion.

God is almighty. Let Him worry about whether someone is disrespectful to Him or His prophets or not. Perhaps if Indonesia's physical problems are all sorted out the politicians then can ask God if He needs any help sorting out appropriate forms of acceptable worship. If, however, God answers them the politicians risk getting into trouble for claiming to be prophets.

It is time to stop being silly and do some real work. I suspect this whole Ahmadiyya brouhahah is to divert people's eyes from the dreadful situation of increasing problems in the country and in the municipalities.

Fazal Ahmadi (not verified) — Thu, 05/15/2008 - 3:52pm

The first and the most basic point is that the decision made by the java city municipality, is it by any means in accordance with the teachings of the Quran or the Hadith.

This decision cannot be justified on any religious, political or humanitarian grounds. It is completely against the basic human rights such as freedom expression by international as well as Indonesian law.

I want to make some points here:

1) What will the Ulema Council gain by this.

2) Will it in any way help in the propagation of Islam.

3) Will all the Indonesian Muslims become the symbol of Islam.

4) Will after this the horrible and the disastrous incident of Bali never occur again.

5) Will such an Islamic society be established in which in all the poor, widows, other religious and ethical minorities and oppressed people will get their rights and feel safe.

If the Government to Indonesia has made up their mind to ban the Ahmadiyya Muslim Sect just to get cheap political gain, then remember our helper Allah will be our protector, He will protect Ahmadiyya Muslims of Indonesia in the same way how He protected our Holy Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w) when the Kuffar of Makkah persecuted him for 13 years and the outcome of that persecution is well known to all.

At last I would just want to remind all the religious, political leaders and all the peace loving citizens of Indonesia that the similar step were taken in the past by the so called THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF PAKISTAN. See what the present condition of Pakistan is; it has become the epicenter of all sorts of terrorism.

This is my humble request to the Leaders of Indonesia that learn a lesson from Pakistan and save your country and your citizens from the wrath of Allah Almighty.

Ferdinanad Sinaga (not verified) — Thu, 05/15/2008 - 11:44am

After Cimahi, where next?
These banning will never terminate without being terminated.
Regulator,where are you? Armed Chief officer, can't you use your power where it should be used to? This simplifies that there is a more powerful strength than state power in Indonesia.

Djed (not verified) — Thu, 05/15/2008 - 10:48am

"Wouldn't it minimize social tension if they stopped their activities?" Sayuti said Wednesday.

Well, wouldn't it minimize social tensions if MUI, FPI, FUUI, and cohorts stopped their activities?