Most Islamic studies teachers oppose pluralism, survey finds

Abdul Khalik ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Wed, 11/26/2008 7:06 AM  |  Headlines

Most Islamic studies teachers in public and private schools in Java oppose pluralism, tending toward radicalism and conservatism, according to a survey released in Jakarta on Tuesday.

The study shows 62.4 percent of the surveyed Islamic teachers, including those from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah — the country’s two largest Muslim organizations — reject the notion of having non-Muslim leaders.

The survey was conducted last month by the Center for Islamic and Society Studies (PPIM) at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta, involving some 500 Islamic studies teachers throughout Java.

It reveals 68.6 percent of the respondents are opposed to non-Muslims becoming their school principle and 33.8 percent are opposed to having non-Muslim teachers at their schools.

Some 73.1 percent of the teachers don’t want followers of other religions to build their houses of worship in their neighborhoods, it found.

Some 85.6 percent of the teachers prohibit their students from celebrating big events perceived as Western traditions, while 87 percent tell their students not to learn about other religions.

Some 48 percent of the teachers would prefer for female and male students to be separated into different classrooms.

PPIM director Jajat Burhanudin said the teachers’ anti-pluralist views would be reflected in their lessons and contribute to growing conservatism and radicalism among Muslims in the country.

“I think they play a key role in promoting conservatism and radicalism among Muslims nowadays. You can’t say now that conservatism and radicalism only develop on the streets like what has been campaigned by the FPI (the Islam Defenders Front), but rather deep within the education (system),” he said, referring to a radical Islamic group.

Jajat said such intolerance threatened the civil and political rights of citizens of other religions.
The survey also shows 75.4 percent of the respondents ask their students to call on non-Muslim teachers to convert to Islam, while 61.1 percent reject a new Islamic sect.

In line with their strict beliefs, 67.4 percent said they felt more Muslim than Indonesian.

The majority of the respondents also support the adoption of sharia law in the country to help fight crime.

According to the survey, 58.9 percent of the respondents back rajam (stoning) as a punishment for all kinds of criminal and 47.5 percent said the punishment for theft should be having one hand cut off, while 21.3 percent want the death sentence for those who convert from Islam.

Only 3 percent of the teachers said they felt it was their duty to produce tolerant students.

With 44.9 percent of the respondents claiming themselves members of Nahdlatul Ulama and 23.8 percent supporters of Muhammadiyah, Jajat said the two moderate organizations had failed to establish their values at the grassroots.

“Moderation and pluralism are only embraced by their elites. I am afraid that this kind of phenomenon has contributed to increasing radicalism and even terrorism in our country,” he said.

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Josh (not verified) — Tue, 12/02/2008 - 4:25am

Rita Miller : "And it is not at all surprising to see how low our education standard is. Look at our politicians. They are busy ratifying porn law when the world's economy is crumbling. Wake up!"

It is government's duty everywhere to be able to "multitask" with various issues not just economy. Other issues such environment, health care, education, social ills, etc. need to be addressed. I hope this porn law is intended to address only social issues, nothing else. We're all aware about problems with prostitution & child sex exploitation. I myself has encountered this problem when I walked on the street of a city in Central Java and was offered sex with minor. It's outrageous. If it looks as if the govt is "only" busy with ratifying porn law, it is because of the media hype behind it, including I am sorry to say Jakarta Post, and the vocal voice of its opponent.

Yayuk Mardiati (not verified) — Mon, 12/01/2008 - 9:27pm

Diversity or pluralism in Indonesia which includes religion, language, culture, ethnic groups,and the likes is an immense asset!!! When managed effectively is not only creating peaceful and beautiful state but also boosting economy!

Indonesia should remain strive and maintain to be the WORLD LARGEST MUSLIM DEMOCRACY!

When we believe in Democracy we have to find out how it works in Indonesia. Please be Smart!

Bisma K (not verified) — Sun, 11/30/2008 - 6:02pm

I have seen this for a long time, and the government such as SBY never heeds the minorities. This has become a culture of hate, and this must be stopped. The young generation, albeit their high learning profiles, also sucks themselves in the same mud of hatred and terroristic attitude towards others. No one can help except the muslims themselves.

Rita Miller (not verified) — Sat, 11/29/2008 - 11:11pm

If Indonesia wants to be as prosperous as Singapore, Japan or South Korea (The three big power house of Asia), it should start weeding out all those religious schools. That is one key. Another important key is to build mainstream schools which place science at their forefront.

Conservatism and intolerance will stifle the country economically, socially and politically. And it is not at all surprising to see how low our education standard is. Look at our politicians. They are busy ratifying porn law when the world's economy is crumbling. Wake up silly!

Trebor (not verified) — Sat, 11/29/2008 - 1:50pm

Young minds should be free and not bombarded with misinformation. Islamic teachers, be they in school or the mosque have a responsibility far beyond any religious beliefs to teach harmony to all. One RI Islamic leader I have seen on recent TV footage (viewed outside RI) preaching hatred, this should be seen as criminal and dealt with as such. Is this what Indonesia wants? It seems so, as he remains free to spread his hatred of non Muslims. Until the people/government act toughly the RI is destined for a very unsettled and frightening future.

David, Jakarta (not verified) — Sat, 11/29/2008 - 9:49am

I have travelled around the archipelago for some years and have watched the slow erosion of pluralism and mutual respect with concern. In traditionally non-Muslim areas when Muslims immigrate they show a complete disregard for the pre-existing religious status quo: mosques are erected with huge loudpeakers that (deliberatly) dominate the environment. I know of at least two cases where mosques in Bali used their loudspeakers on the Hindu holy day of Nyepi. That is an insult akin to organising a public pig-roast during Ramadhan in a devoutly Muslim area. It is outrageous.

Contrast this with the attitude toward the establishment of temples or churches in greater Jakarta.

Unity in Diversity is just an empty slogan unless the words are backed up by deeds. It is not simply a mantra to be chanted everytime minorities kick up against thoughtless laws and ordinances that discriminate against them.

As soon as there is the merest discussion of the possibility that minority areas may seek greater autonomy, or may not enforce lunatic laws, there is a rash of TV infoverts with stirring nationalistic music and images of celebrating diversity around the republic. Where are the infovert campaigns when Muslim lobby groups are doing their utmost to disturb national unity?

Gordon Hickley (not verified) — Fri, 11/28/2008 - 9:55pm

Brad says "Cmon guys, let's solve the root cause not the symptoms". Brad we're dealing with a form of fascism here, all fascists needs a enemy to rally their followers. Hence Israel is the convenient target. If Israel did not exist then another "root cause" would have to be found such as Kashmir, Bosnia, Chechyna, southern Phillipines, Aceh, etc. People from all around the world throughout all history have faced injustice, killing innocents does not right an injustice.

Reader (not verified) — Fri, 11/28/2008 - 1:10pm

Goodbye to Bhinneka Tunggal Ika. This is not the Indonesia anymore that I know for nearly 30 years. Extremist and intolerant people slowly (but increasingly fast) destroy the unity of this country. It's a pitty!

Mike W. (not verified) — Fri, 11/28/2008 - 12:38pm

In response to comment from David (Australia) below :

"No wonder Muslims are "the poorest, the most illiterate, the most backward, the most unhealthy, the most un-enlightened, the most deprived, and the weakest of all the human race." [President Musharraf of Pakistan to a conference of science and technology ministers from Muslim countries in 2002]"

Even if Musharraf did say that he's only saying it to fellow muslims with exaggeration in order to stir them away from radicalism and more toward enlightened & progressive thinkings. It's naive for you to quote him in the context of this discussion. I am not trying to look into the past but if you check your history, as recently as only 100 years ago there's this powerful muslim empire called the Ottoman Empire (Turkey today) who ruled most of southeastern Europe (Balkans) and indeed a very tolerant empire where muslims, christians and jews lived. Even Jews went to Ottoman ruled area to escape persecution in western Europe. 500 years ago in 1529 Ottoman army was close to capturing Vienna, Austria. Can you imagine if they indeed succeeded in capturing that city ?? don't be surprised if students at Oxford University would have learnt Quran instead of Bible. Ottoman were able to do that because they adopt a more tolerant & progressive Mediterranean Islam. Today's Islam has been hijacked by the more radical & backward "Desert Islam" from Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, Saudi can spread this destructive form of Islam because of oil money. Because of business interest US support of this kingdom doesn't help either. Look at how fast US came to help the Saudi when Iraq was trying to invade it in 1991. It chose to destroy Iraq not because it is trying to help its "ally of convenient" the Saudi but because Iraq was a threat to Israel. Look where we are now. So, to fellow moslems, learn from the past, be critical and don't make the mistake of following the wrong teachings of Islam.

Aditya (not verified) — Fri, 11/28/2008 - 11:47am

A lot of these statistics really get me thinking: 67.4 percent felt that they are Moslems than Indonesians? 3 percent of the teachers to produce tolerant students? I used to have the slogan "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" (Unity in Diversity) memorized by heart at school, and so is many of my friends, Moslems and non Moslems alike. These facts really got me worried!

I think this is right time that government should intervene. But more importantly is the action and willingness from majority of Moslems to "see" inside them and realize that these facts hold true, that they have to realize the error (or at least the potential problem in the future) and really do something meaningful about it.

"Moderation and pluralism are only embraced by their elites." Can't agree more on this one.

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