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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Roberts (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 6:45pm

DAVID K. how dare u talking about our prophet?.

Unspun — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 5:57pm

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

Lynne McKay (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 4:12pm

What? What? What...I and my friends use FaceBook to keep in contact with each other when other avenues are not available...Who is it that now demands it be closed down for possible sexual/ whatever misuse...

These people should look very carefully at their own morals...if they suspect others of misusing FaceBook, this can only mean that they themselves were a) looking for such misuse; b) would misuse it themselves or have c) already done so!!! and therefore have proven that such misuse could happen...

This AINT according to the Koran!

What a group of mongrels!

Elsye Tetelepta (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 4:04pm

I do not agree if the muslim clerics are going to ban the face book. I am using the face book as wel as a media to make contact with all my old friends wherever they live....I am using the face book to write all my thoughts and my feelings....I know all the boundaries..what I can do what I can't.

I am a muslim.... I am living in the world where there are not only muslims, but also christians and other people with other religions/beliefs. I am living in the world where all the sophisticated technologies exist. I always try very hard to live with the guidance of my religion. I know what it is good of what it is not good. I think it is not appropriate if the muslim clerics are going to look for a rules to ban the face book.... For me, it is little bit an exageration. At the end, they can not stop people to use all the technology... are they going to stop people to watch tv or to go to the movie? Tell the truth they can not say people to stop doing something that they want to do....

Again, it depends on the people themself.... Are they going to do the bad things in their life..or are they going to do the good things...? Neither the clerics can control it. Let the muslims grow among all the good and bad influences in this world.... Do not be worry... because if they are a good muslims.. They have to control every ways that they are going to take in their life according to their religion...

Anonymous (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 12:13pm

They just want attention. There are poor people everywhere and they don't do anything about them?

Sexual desire is a part of human nature. It is something that we all have to deal with in life - getting a wife.

David IN JAKARTA (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 11:30am

Whilst I agree that Facebook and many other internet based social networking groups can be used for immoral purposes, I would be very interested to know exactly the percentage of Muslims that use the sites for immoral purposes?

There are many other internet sites that cater specifically for the the type of behaviour this article is describing, mainly the online dating/chat sites.

Modern communication tools are great at enhancing our lives, of course, a small number will always use these tools for the wrong purposes.

There is no need for governmental intervention regarding social networking sites.

I believe that moral standards should be generated through education, family and religion. The tools should be available unrestricted to all segments of society.

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?

Miscok (not verified) — Mon, 05/25/2009 - 11:23am

Andrew2410 wrote:
"...Do these clerics want their followers to be children for ever?
I admit that coming from a non-Islamic background..."

Yes they do, they must if the want to get the control of the people forever.
And this is what not only muslims do but any religion in the whole Word, especially the 3 biggest monotheistic religions on Earth, do.
Actually muslims are only the last of the list. I tell you from the aged catholic background i have.

MichJ (not verified) — Sun, 05/24/2009 - 7:21pm

Ok, that is stupid ok?
If facebook really did change and they add rules on facebook
people will blame on all indonesians who wants rules on facebook
facebook is supposed to be free.
It's not going to be fair if the rules change just because of this kind of muslims things going around D:<

W. Nellen (not verified) — Sun, 05/24/2009 - 12:47pm

Indonesia is known as a moderate Islamic country. This facilitates cooperation with the Western World. Indonesia has to find its own solutions for huge economical, ecological and social challenges. Education and free communication are prerequisites for making wise decisions for the benefit of the country. The Western Way is not always good - but sometimes.
Restrictions on communication and thus on education are dangerous, counterproductive and will waste the immense intellectual potential of Indonesia.

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