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 Thursday to consider 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.

Your comments:

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 it is. Restrictions on communication and thus on education are dangerous, counterproductive and will waste the immense intellectual potential of Indonesia.

W. Nellen

I met my long-lost ex-classmates on Facebook. I use it for networking and friendship without any intention of flirting whatsoever. I'm wondering why those clerics think only Facebook can cause lust and extramarital affairs? It depends on the person. If he wants to flirt, he can find many ways to do it. So, next time, before you guys make a statement, think about it.

Sarah

Once again, Indonesia puts itself negatively in the spotlight. After the controversial 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 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 can live the way our prophet used to live!

Rudi W.

If the clerics end up banning Facebook, it shows their true attitude toward 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 how to use it for constructive purposes. For example, working around the house, or preparing food. If I ban him forever, 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 - making choices between right and wrong.

Do these clerics want their followers to be children forever?

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

I think rather than trying to ban everything, clerics should consider other approaches in exercising their tasks. Facebook, although a possible source of illicit sex (sounds a bit weird to me), it can also be source of good communication - a tool that the clerics can also use.

Instead of banning it, why don't they create or promote better images that persuade people of the importance and the beauty of faithfulness, family and religious life, etc... And let people decide. Use the media to fight back.

It is the nature of people; if they are told not to do something; it will only make them want to do it even more. Perhaps by banning it, the number of Facebook users in Indonesia will only increase.

Hilds

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