Indonesian clerics want rules for Facebook

Indra Harsaputra and Niniek Karmini ,  Associated Press   |  Thu, 05/21/2009 2:52 PM  |  National

Muslim clerics are seeking ways to regulate online behavior in Indonesia, saying the exploding popularity of social networking sites like Facebook could encourage illicit sex.

Around 700 clerics, or imams, gathered in the world's most populous Muslim nation on Thursday were considering guidelines forbidding their followers from going online to flirt or engage in practices they believe could encourage extramarital affairs.

Facebook says Indonesia, a nation of 235 million, was its fastest-growing country in Southeast Asia in 2008, with a 645 percent increase to 831,000 users - outpacing China and India. And with less than 0.5 percent of Indonesia's citizens wired, there is a huge potential for growth.

"The clerics think it is necessary to set an edict on virtual networking, because this online relationship could lead to lust, which is forbidden in Islam," said Nabil Haroen, a spokesman for the Lirboyo Islamic boarding school, which is hosting the event.

Though followers could still be members of the networking site, guidelines dealing with surfing the Web and Islamic values are urgently needed, he said.

Facebook officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ninety percent of Indonesians are Muslim, though most practice a moderate form of the faith.

An edict by the clerics would not have any legal weight. But it could be endorsed by the influential Indonesian Ulema Council, which recently issued rulings against smoking and yoga. Most devout Muslims adhere to the council's rulings because ignoring a fatwa, or religious decree, is considered a sin.

Amidan, who heads the Ulema Council, said the growing number of Facebook users in Indonesia was a controversial subject among Muslim leaders and that he favored a ban because of possible sexual content.

"People using Facebook can be driven to engage in distasteful, pornographic chatting," said Amidan, who was monitoring the two-day conference in the town of Kediri, in eastern Java.

Many clerics are concerned that "inappropriate content" on Facebook could be accessed by children, said Amidan, who, like many Indonesians, goes by a single name.

Facebook is the top ranked site in Indonesia, ahead of search engines Yahoo and Google, according Alexa.com, which tracks Internet traffic. Nearly 4 percent of all Facebook visitors are from Indonesia, making it the largest source of visitors after the United States, the United Kingdom, France and Italy.
 
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R.astari — Wed, 05/27/2009 - 10:31pm

*crying*

I HATE THIS! WHY WON'T THEY STOP?! This is stupid. Worst of all, they make Islam look worse by interpreting it this way, which is BEYOND STUPID AND RIDICULOUS!!!

I've got good friends around the world and some of them are MALE. We talk like most decent people do. DO I HAVE TO LOSE THEM TOO JUST BECAUSE A BUNCH OF SHALLOW-MINDED PEOPLE MAKE UP THIS DUMB RULE?!

Clerics, don't lecture me about morality. Why don't you check the mirror first yourselves? I'm sick of you IMPOSING people like this!!!

Unspun — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 5:57pm

Islamic Fundamentalism 2.0? http://theunspunblog.com/2009/05/25/islamic-fundamentalism-2-0/

Iain — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 8:05pm

Actually David, I know a lot of Muslims (many of them pious) who use facebook and other mediums for immoral purposes. And I have enjoyed being a part of that immorality.

Is there such a thing as "wrong" purposes?

David K. — Sat, 05/23/2009 - 11:17am

To answer Andrew : In actuallity these clerics would like thier followers to be children forever. The reason for that is they want to be needed forever, and the concept of free will and having your own mind is sacreligious in thier eyes.

This isn't limited to Islamic clerics, as the priesthood of every religion tries to prop itself in importance by trying to provide the illusion of indespensability. Although Islam at this moment in time is the only one succeeding at it rather then other religions. With more success in what the world terms as moderate Islamic nations like Indonesia and what is termed as more hardcore as Malaysia and the middle east. Well the middle east is a lost cause, although Indonesia if it can shake the yolk of oppression by the faith of islam would be a great nation. (please note that when i say oppression by the islamic faith I mean the imposing of religious beliefs by a group of individuals upon people of the same faith and people of different faiths and having faith in Islam is your own situation as long as it doesn't bother other people).

I love how Clerics/imams are always talking about protecting the children, and inappropriate activities, when the fact is they allow thier own associates to marry 9 year olds, which I don't know is pretty inappropriate to me but for them perhaps a child is 2 years old to 8 year old.

The Christian have a great saying, "He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone at her."

I wish there was a better system of approving Imams who were not hellbent on destroying any progress and would rather have all of us illiterate, poor, with no concept of modern technology (the perfect follower for imams). It almost seems a destructive more subtle form of terrorism on the progression of Indonesia Economy and wellbeing.
Now for a general theme :

Rudi1w — Sat, 05/23/2009 - 7:05am

Once again, Indonesia puts itself negatively in the spotlight. After the controversial and ridiculous pornography law, now the Indonesian Muslim clerics think it is necessary to set an edict on virtual networking. According to them it could lead to lust, which is ‘haram’ in Islam. Why not mind your own business ‘bapak bapak Haji’ and stay out of the lives of the modern and open minded Muslims? Be aware that the hypocrites will use the Friday prayers to promote their stance and seek support for it! Maybe it is time to set up a Muslim state somewhere on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean, where all those who can’t accept today’s things, live the way our prophet used to live!

Andrew2410 — Fri, 05/22/2009 - 3:09pm

If the clerics end up banning facebook, it shows their true attitude towards their followers. They are treating them like small children instead of adults with minds of their own.
For example, I have a small child. I “ban” him from handling sharp knives because he could hurt himself and others. This is because he is too young to act responsibly while holding a sharp knife.
However in a few years, I will teach him to use it for constructive purposes. For example, working around the house, or preparing food. If I ban him for ever, he will remain a child forever, and will need his father to instruct him on everything, instead of becoming an adult and making his own life - choices between right and wrong.
Do these clerics want their followers to be children for ever?
I admit that coming from a non-Islamic background; I may not understand the situation entirely. If so, I would welcome and insights into what they are trying to achieve.
Andrew

Andrew2410 — Fri, 05/22/2009 - 3:15pm

It seems they have a very low opinion of their followers' ability to make moral decisions for themselves. Hence their perceived need to ban everything. I believe human beings learn and strengthen their morality by making the correct choices when temptation arises. If temptation is removed, they are deprived from ever making those choices, and thus they will not develop strong morals. They will have a strong fear of punishment for non-conformity. But this is totally different. Andrew

Elishevadpw — Thu, 05/21/2009 - 4:26pm

"This online relationship could lead to lust"

Pretty much ANY kind of relationship could lead to lust! This statement is completely ridiculous!

"People using Facebook can be driven to engage in distasteful, pornographic chatting."

I have no idea how much this Mr. Amidan spend his time online in the internet but stating this shows pure naivete... as if chats on Yahoo, Gtalk, Live Messenger, Skype and others can not drive people to do the same??

Elisheva Wiriaatmadja
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Visit my personal finance blog.

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