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Issues: `Clerics targets mobile calls between sexes'
Intense communication: A lady types away on her laptop computer, while simultaneously making a call on her cellular phone
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Intense communication: A lady types away on her laptop computer, while simultaneously making a call on her cellular phone. Clerics in East Java are seeking ways to regulate the use of such communication instruments. JP/P.J. Leo
Many have been shocked to learn that 1,700 Muslim clerics of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) - the largest Muslim organization in Indonesia - have issued an edict banning communication between sexes using mobile phones and online social networks, such as Facebook. For Jani Sularto, her BlackBerry is an essential part of keeping connected with business partners and friends.
"The nature of my work requires that I continually check for incoming emails because many of our business partners are overseas," she said Friday. "It all depends on individuals. I stay online 24 hours, but only log in to Facebook for two hours a day to get in touch with old friends," said Jani, who found her elementary school friends using Facebook.
Your comments:
It is just too bad that a lot of people are taking this seriously.
It is a matter of content, not the platform: People on online networking sites are free to determine how to use them. Why not ban human interaction? That way no one will be tempted?
Halim
I believe Indonesian Muslims are individuals with common sense, who can think for themselves and choose if they want to avoid affairs or pornography, or whatever is not good for them.
If that is how much trust the NU has in Muslims, what does it say about them?
They need to catch up with technology before making any statements concerning these websites. This verges on "dictatorship".
Reni P.
I wonder why my fellow Muslims in Indonesia keep quiet about these ulema trying to rule on every single aspect of our lives.
Come on, speak out, do something. This country is moving backward into the Dark Ages.
Diyan
This edict, as well as other nonsensical edicts already issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (among others, the one concerning pornography) must have been contrived by very narrow-minded people, who are eager to show the Indonesian people they are busy doing something they believe "is worthwhile".
If the East Java chapter head of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Abdussomad Buchori already acknowledges that he has no idea about online social networking, what about his subordinates and students?
They should arm themselves with more education and wisdom before issuing edicts on matters of which they clearly lack knowledge.
If they don't, public respect for them and their decrees will plummet to zero. I believe it already has.
Tami Koestomo
Bogor, West Java
