Monas square violence is criminal, govt must act resolutely: Muhammadiyah chief

Antara ,  Jakarta   |  Tue, 06/03/2008 3:36 PM  |  National

Muhammadiyah chairman Din Syamsuddin said the violence committed during the Pancasila Day gathering at the National Monument (Monas) on Sunday was criminal and needs to be dealt with resolutely.

"Those acts are clearly criminal in nature and must be addressed resolutely. The government must take concrete and firm action lest such behavior becomes a widespread habit and Indonesia turns into a violence-ridden country," Syamsuddin said.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono here Monday, the leader of Indonesia's second largest Muslim organization said the government must take concrete measures to enforce the law consistently.

But Syamsuddin said there was some truth to the belief that the government's indecision on the Ahmadiyah issue was an indirect cause that the attack by Islam Defenders' Front (FPI) members on a peaceful rally conducted by the Alliance for Freedom of Religion and Belief (AKKBB).

To help solve the Ahmadiyah problem, Muhammadiyah is organizing a meeting between leaders of the controversial sect and Islamic organizations for June 11, 2008, he said.

"In light of the existing differences in religious belief, Muhammadiyah is taking the initiative to host a dialogue between Ahmadiyah leaders and Islamic organizations," Syamsuddin said.

Muhammadiyah was not in a position to support or oppose the dissolution of any organization because, in its view, the existence of an organization was not the business of society.

"We must co-exist with all other groups in the world," he said.

On the other hand, Syamsuddin said, the state cannot interfere in the convictions and beliefs of a society, but has the right to disband any group in societal terms when the group commits acts
of violence and dislocates society.

The Muhammadiyah leader met the President to invite him to a open world peace forum to be hosted by Muhammadiyah June 24-26, 2008.

The forum will call for a firm attitude against violence and be attended by 100 world religious, economic and political figures. (**)

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