TheJakartaPost
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Your letters: MUI moves to improve morality
The Jakarta Post reported that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has launched a movement called the National Movement to Correct the Nationâs Morals, which contains seven demands
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he Jakarta Post reported that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has launched a movement called the National Movement to Correct the Nation's Morals, which contains seven demands.
The movement was launched following a spate of recent media reports that indicated what the council deemed a decline in the country's moral fiber, the report said.
I support the MUI's mission, it will serve to restrain society's tendency toward moral degradation and the constant challenges presented by the commercial sector with its unwritten axiom 'for profit purposes only' without regard for the moral impact or values.
The best role for the MUI is to continue to ponder, research, promote and foster cultural and moral values deemed necessary for society.
My only concern is that these values are not the sole values and perception and views of one religious entity, but that of all religions in Indonesia.
In other words, do not do this moral rehabilitation effort solely to promote the set beliefs of one particular religion. There are moral values embraced and accepted by all religions, and not exclusive to one religion only. Promoting one religion's values over another will create tension, conflict and instability.
There are common values that all Indonesians can agree on. Some call them 'human rights', or fundamental beliefs, some of which are embodied in our Constitution. I support the MUI's mission and wish its members well. We need this.
James Waworoendeng
Jakarta
All existing and state-approved religions in the Republic of Indonesia have their representative organizations. Therefore, it should be questioned whether there is a need for the MUI and how far this council is allowed to mingle with politics.
Cultural and moral values have been severely interfered with by the MUI in these last 10 years, resulting in a confusion of identity and damage to the diversity holding Pancasila together.
Seeing the amount of smokers (including many MUI members) and their never-ending urge to regulate, we should consider replacing the MUI with the Majelis Asbak Indonesia (MAI).
The Majelis Asbak Indonesia aims to promote social awareness among smokers and the side effects of the excessive consumption of tobacco.
Suwiwi
Jakarta
