BIN: Ulema 's entering into politics causes rift among followers

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 12/20/2008 2:05 PM  |  National

Head of the Intelligence Agency Syamsir Siregar said Saturday the increasing number of religious scholars and leaders entering into politics has caused rift among and neglect of their followers.

"Many religious scholars are up against each other due to their decision to enter into politics now. This is regrettable as society starts to face difficulties in finding leaders to look up to," Siregar said in Pati, Central Java, Antara news agency reported.

Even though the decision to be political is a right of every citizen, he added, "It shouldn't lead to a neglect of madrasahs (religious bording schools) and followers who have also split up in the process."

"The madrasahs, which used to be a subject now becomes objectified by various political interests. The age-long tradition of madrasahs as peace sanctuaries has turned violent due to vested political interests," Siregar lamented.

Headmaster of Madrasah Salafiyah in Pati, Asmuj, concurred.

"Indeed, nowadays many of the scholars focus on worldly affairs, including politics, while the affairs of the hereafter are set aside," he said.

He added that there should be a balance between the two.

"Scholars aren't prohibited against meddling in politics, but this shouldn't be at the expense of their primary role as the conscience of society," Asmuj said.

 

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David K. — Sat, 12/20/2008 - 2:31pm

Maybe I shouldn't voice this opinion, but I think religion should be absent from politics. Unless of course a meshing of all the positive aspects of religion can be unified to move the country forward. Unfortunately we are mere mortals and imperfect, with our own imperfect point of views of the world, and this is near impossible.

Spiritual aspects of our lives are important, but certain actions, and demands cannot work on the greater picture of society. Religion is a personal affair and should be kept personal, without forcing dogma, prejudices, and what we think is right and wrong on the general public. That is what laws are, basis tenants of religion without the spiritual aspects.

I am catholic and I live as close as I can to the 10 commandments which are the basic tenants of all religions such as Dont Kill, Dont Steal etc etc.

These spiritual leaders should not look at governing the greater nation of Indonesia without first looking at their own followers, stamping out the greed, corruption, prejudices, intolerance, and all the negativity associated within their circles. I'm not saying that that all these religious leaders are similar to Osama Bin Ladin, or the Kiayi that impregnated a 12 year old, or the so called religious leaders that praise the Bali Bombers and Suicide bombers of the world as Holy Fighters of Islam, but they should clean their own house first before thinking they are capable of leading this nation back to it's former glory.

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