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Do we need to teach other nations about tolerance?
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People stand at a damaged fuel station after it was set on fire by a mob in a riot affected area after clashes erupted between people demonstrating for and against a new citizenship law in New Delhi, India, February 26, 2020. (Reuters/Rupak De Chowdhuri)
W
hy do many among Indonesian elites view their own country with a superiority syndrome over those in the Middle East and South Asia? This tendency has been more notable since the political change and sectarianism after the Arab Springs in 2011.
Some, for instance, believe that Indonesian society is better than those in the Middle East and South Asia regarding pluralism, democracy, hospitality and tolerance. Countries from Morocco to India are perceived as regions full of conflicts, violence and dictators.
Others view that Indonesia is much better in maintaining diversity across its huge territory spanning the distance from London to Istanbul.
Surprisingly, many leading intellectuals and journalists support this opinion. As a result, many among the public adopt this view too.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin recently stated, “India has to learn about religious tolerance from Indonesia.” After the
sporadic violence in some parts of the Indian capital New Delhi, he encourages India to act like “us” — Indonesia — in creating tolerance and moderation in our religious life. Ma’ruf spoke spontaneously without advice from experts in the politics and cultures of South Asia or the broader Middle East.
As he represents the voice of government, it would better if the VP was well-equipped before giving speeches. He could appoint a spokesperson for foreign affairs. He is no longer the chairman of an Islamic organization, nor merely a religious leader.
