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Religious leaders call for bolder steps against intolerant, anti-Pancasila groups
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For peace and harmony: religious leaders gather at the University of Gadjah Mada in Yogyakarta on May 26. During the meeting they called on the government to take tougher action against intolerant groups, whose values went against Pancasila. They include Shinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, Syafi’i Maarif, Rev. Gomar Gultom and Cardinal Julius R.Darmaatmadja. (JP/Bambang Muryanto)
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ndonesian leaders from different religious communities have called on all people in Indonesia, but especially the government, to raise awareness on the importance of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and Pancasila to strengthen the character of the nation.
“The government must be tough and wise in responding to the current situation, which has led to dissension. They must take immediate action for the sake of the nation’s safety and unity,” said Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University (UIN) lecturer Abdul Munir Mulkan.
He read out the joint statement of 12 Indonesian religious leaders, who gathered at the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, on Friday.
They discussed the current situation in Indonesia, which they say has worsened following the rapid emergence of intolerant movements that encourage their adherents to commit violent acts. The movements have made people feel unsafe and triggered conflicts between different groups of people, such as what happened during the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election.
Among leaders attending the event included Ahmad Syafi’i Maarif, Sinta Nuriyah Abdurrahman Wahid, Engkus Ruswana, Bhikku Nyana Suryanadi, Cardinal Julius R. Darmaatmaja, Rev. Gomar Gultom and Mohamad Sobary.
“The government should have a united stance and rhetoric in addressing the various challenges that people must deal with in their life as one nation,” said Munir.
Meanwhile, Syafi’i said the current situation was triggered by the government’s slow response to intolerant groups whose values went against those of Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
“We should contribute our ideas to the government, pushing it to not let such groups threaten [our unity and diversity],” he said. (ebf)
