Letter: I don’t think RI needs sharia

I celebrate Idul Fitri every year and have lived in a mixed marriage for a long time. What I argue is the fact that I don’t think sharia laws are supported by the majority of Indonesian Muslims, and hence should not be implemented.

I also do not think the government should “control” people’s beliefs, etc. I think the laws should be just, fair and most importantly adaptable when society grows and we get new insights. Laws cannot be a constant and at the same time remain just, fair and humane.  

One insight modern society has found, for example, is that the burning of witches, stoning, lashing, cutting of hands or even the death penalty are not regarded as humane in most societies.

I would argue against a “Christian” state as much as I argue against a “Muslim” state where religion is equal to government and where the penal system uses inhumane and excessive punishments (i.e. crime vs. punishment). I do not claim to dislike all parts of sharia law, but there are some extreme aspects I simply believe are inhumane. I have never heard any good arguments as to why these rules are good and should be applied.

I have only heard the argument that if you are Muslim you should have a governmental law in accordance with sharia whether you like it or not. I simply find that this is a poor argument and not very democratic.

I believe you can be Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist or Hindu without necessarily having a governmental law dictating all aspects of your religion. I think a governmental law should cover all religions and stay out of our personal beliefs. In fact you may argue that why should we have religious sentencing in life when we get it in the afterlife?

So, to conclude, my view is that religion (whatever religion it is) is a decision that should be made by each individual and not the government. It should not be forced upon you by regulations in marriage, birth etc, (as we can see in Malaysia and could see in most states a few hundred years ago). I believe the state should stay out of these issues.

 
Kimbala
Jakarta