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Hard-line clerics demand ban on Rotary, Lions clubs
A group of hard-line clerics calling themselves the People's Ulema Forum (FUU) have demanded President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ban the international charity and social organizations Rotary Club and Lions Club, claiming they are part of a Zionist movement
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A group of hard-line clerics calling themselves the People's Ulema Forum (FUU) have demanded President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono ban the international charity and social organizations Rotary Club and Lions Club, claiming they are part of a Zionist movement.
The clerics said Yudhoyono should revoke former president Abdurahman Wahid's 2000 decree that allowed both clubs to operate in Indonesia again after they were banned by a presidential decree in 1962.
FUU chairman Atian Ali Muhammad Da'i told a press briefing in Bandung on Saturday that based on evidence they had gathered both clubs threatened Muslims in Indonesia because they are linked to Freemasonry, a parent organization of the Israeli Zionist Movement.
"The Rotary and Lions clubs are not social organizations but are part of the Freemasonry and Zionist movements, which could endanger us," he said to Antara.
Atian said many religious authorities around the world, including the Vatican, had banned their followers from joining both the Rotary and
Lions clubs since 1950, claiming both organizations threatened their beliefs.
The clerics warned Muslims not to become members of the organizations.
"If someone is currently a member of one of these groups, they should quit immediately," Atian said.
Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman Ma'ruf Amin said MUI must carry out a thorough investigation before issuing an edict or fatwa on the organizations.
"We have not received any complaints from the organizations yet. But if we do, we will investigate the issue in depth before making a decision," Ma'ruf, also an advisor to the President on religious affairs, told The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
He said the President would require an investigation before any blanket ban could be issued.
Raja Juli Antony, executive director of the Maarif Institute, said the calls for a ban on the Rotary and Lions Club were baseless as both organizations had helped many Indonesian youths continue their studies and assisted families in need.
"As far as I know, Rotary for example has seven centers globally that specifically assist young people from the developing world complete their studies, especially in conflict and resolution research," he said.
Raja said there was no evidence at all either organization was a threat to Muslims.
He said it was likely the call for a ban on these organizations was an overreaction to the recent Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
"This shows Indonesia still has a lot to learn about tolerance and pluralism. How we can suggest banning an organization that helps our people?" Raja said, adding the accusation would only drive foreigners away.
Raja said he hoped the government was sensible enough to ignore the demands and understand those views did not represent the majority of Muslims in Indonesian.
