Ahmadiyah decree is moderate: MUI

Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) commission head Slamet Effendy Yusuf says the joint ministerial decree on Ahmadiyah was moderate and accommodates the interest of conflicting groups.

"The joint decree is moderate enough. On the one hand it, accommodates the interest of Muslims and, on the another hand, it doesn't muzzle the people's rights as guaranteed in the Constitution," Yusuf said Tuesday, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Yusuf, who is also a House of Representatives member, was speaking at the House of Representatives in Senayan, Central Jakarta.

With the decree's issuance, he said, the government and Indonesian Muslims should avoid violence and promote a dialogue.

"The government and Muslims should not be violent. The government should routinely hold discussions to win over Muslims, so that the Islamic faith is fulfilled and rights are protected," Yusuf said.

"Those unsatisfied with the decree can take legal action. This is a democratic country. There is no place for anarchism. Everything should be handle through the legal process." (**)