TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
SMS: RESTRICTIONS ON FACEBOOK
Your comments on the plan of Muslim clerics from East Java to ban social networking sites like Facebook because they believe that such sites could encourage illicit sex
Change Size
Your comments on the plan of Muslim clerics from East Java to ban social networking sites like Facebook because they believe that such sites could encourage illicit sex.
This is the weirdest thing ever. Why should they ban it? Even Malaysia, which has tougher Islamic laws, is not thinking of going that far. If anyone feels offended by it, then don't use it.
This is not an Islamic country. This is a free country! People can do whatever they want. And no one is asking them to use Facebook. People should be allowed to decide what they want to do.
Narsh
Jakarta
The problem is not with a particular social networking site; it is in the minds and lives of certain people who do such acts, not only on Facebook, but everywhere else too.
It is up to the user whether to use such sites for their benefits, or to misuse them. Such a ban will result in a rebellion.
When all is said and done, it is the Muslim clerics' duty to criticize or issue a fatwa on certain things. So let them do their duty and let people continue to do what they want.
Simran S. Galvankar
Surabaya
How trivial it is for Muslim clerics to issue such a ban. Next will be cell phones and email. Maybe we should go back to the Stone Age and communicate via body language.
Anisa
Jakarta
Being concerned about their flock's possible straying from the moral path by using these modern means of communication?
By issuing a fatwa banning such means, the clerics catapult Indonesians straight back into the Dark Ages. And as for committing adultery and other such shenanigans, people did it long before Facebook, Friendster, etc were ever invented, and they'll continue doing so if they want to, no matter how many fatwas the ulema might issue and long after these pious men have gone to heaven (they hope!).
V.T. Hopkins
Jakarta
The next thing we know, they will ban us from practicing our religion. Facebook is dangerous? For illicit sex? Get real! Don't touch Facebook! Go back to Stone Age, for God's sake!
Jeffrey
Jakarta
It is another example of the short-sighted, narrow-minded moral maniacs. But why should we care? It will be as toothless as the fatwa against smoking.
Hadi
Surabaya
With respect to my Muslim family and friends, I found this to be ridiculous, exaggerated, lacking in confidence and stupid!
This is a democratic nation. It is not ruled by Islamic law! Every day people gossip about things in daily life, why it is now a problem. If it is not spreading Islamic teaching, one should not respect it?
Facebook, Friendster etc are not Muslim websites! The clerics would be better taking care of their own internal problems.
Fey
Manado, North Sulawesi
Muslim clerics should not meddle in affairs which are outwith their intellectual capacity.
If they do, their views and fatwa shall be bluntly ignored by the majority of Muslims.
Soebagjo Soetadji
Jakarta
