ADPARA>Sharia bylaws which are implemented in some regions create a positive effect rather than a negative one and do not contradict Indonesian unity nor the Constitution.
For example, crimes, free sex, sexual abuse etc. can be curbed in Aceh province. Obligatory dress in jilbab/scarf and uniforms for all Muslim students from kindergarten to university in Padang seems to make a situation of harmony and togetherness.
By imposing an anti-prostitution bylaw, it curbs prostitution activities and free sex in the Tangerang municipality. Of course there are still some weaknesses in bylaws that require improvement. ABDUL RAHIM
Tangerang, Banten
Moh. Mahfud M.D is 100 percent correct and should be supported by President SBY and Vice President Kalla. But they are not strong enough. Sharia law is Taliban style, which was only fit for the 7th century, not for educated people in the 21st century. VIN LOM
Makassar, South Sulawesi
There are no sharia bylaws in Indonesia. They are bylaws endorsed by legal institutions and assured by the Constitution of this state. MUSRIL Z
Jakarta
Indonesia is not an Islamic country. We have to respect those with faiths other than Islam. Sharia bylaws should not be implemented. ROTO
Yogyakarta
Great, at last somebody is coming out and is brave enough to say the truth that sharia bylaws are against the Constitution and threaten national integrity. Don't tell people what to wear, what to eat, how to pray, etc. These are all personal matters. Better improve yourself first before asking others to improve themselves. ANNA SURESH
Jakarta
I think he is right that sharia bylaws contradict the Constitution and threaten national integrity. Our nation does not only have one religion, but it has five religions. We can't follow others to have an Islamic country. We are Indonesians with a lot of cultures, religions, etc. Let's keep peace our nation with our ideology, Pancasila. DULI MUHLIS MUNAWAR
Depok, West Java
I agree that sharia law threatens the national integrity and contradicts the Constitution. We have been living in harmony since we adapted our current Constitution in 1945. DIKI
Jakarta
I think sharia bylaws can only be applied to Muslims, not to everybody so it is OK. Mahfud has to be careful when he is speaking in public because it could ignite unproductive debate. TONNY SANTOSO
Jakarta
For the sake of Indonesia's integrity, I agree and am behind Pak Mahfud. Indonesia with its bhinneka tunggal ika (unity in diversity) is only tool to preserve our country. Let's think big. JANKANDI
Cilegon, Banten
If Mahfud is of that opinion he should quickly pass a verdict annulling all those bigoted bylaws that have already caused so much suffering. HADI
Surabaya
Cheers for Moh. Mahfud M.D. I say that enacting sharia bylaws is treason against the whole nation and totally threatens national integrity. JEFFREY
Jakarta
I agree, sharia bylaws contradict the constitution and threaten integrity. From what I've heard they take away equality of the sexes for this country that relies on women more than men to earn a living for their families. ELAINE
Jakarta
The sharia proponents always argue that it only impacts the lives of believers and won't threaten national unity. But enforcing and forcing a system of faith onto others already goes against the basic tenet of freedom in practicing one's faith, and will undoubtedly bring about social friction and pressures bigger than these people can envisage.
It is not even productive to say in helping the nation combat vices such as corruption. The guardians of the nation should not succumb to a group's fantasy and power trips when pursuing a "perfect society" that's deeply flawed by their coercive ways. GITA
Jakarta
Sharia bylaws are rigid and are created by and for the Arabs in seventh century. We Indonesians should ban sharia law once for all and adopt a dynamic constitution. HUSEIN
Jakarta
I do not agree with Mahfud. Sharia bylaws were made by lawmakers from sharia systems that have universal values. Maybe most people didn't know the real goal of sharia bylaws and therefore they get shocked because they are different from their values.
For example, some people did not agree with anti-pornography laws. But, all of us know that pornography is bad and very dangerous. So, sharia bylaws are needed in Indonesia. And the problem is how to make the people know and understand. CAHYO KARTIKO
Jakarta
