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Another perspective about Singapore’s rejection of preacher Somad
Some Indonesians think they are free to say anything they like about other people, although they know their remarks are offensive.
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Rallying cry: A group of people claiming to represent the Islam Ideology Defense Alliance (Perisai) rally outside the Singaporean Embassy in South Jakarta on May 20 to protest the country’s rejection of Muslim cleric Abdul Somad Batubara. (Kompas.com/Muhammad Isa Bustomi)
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ometimes we may feel uncomfortable with the behavior of some Indonesian citizens, who are often very demanding of apologies from other people whom they believe have offended their ethnicity, nationality, religion or anything else. They are outraged because their dignity is hurt, which is understandable and probably even justifiable; but ironically, they often commit the same offenses against other people at will, and do not care about the feelings of their victims.
This behavior is not monopolized by some Indonesian Muslims; it occurs among people of other faiths, too. In your WhatsApp group (WAG) you may find non-Muslims make fun of Islam or other religions. They are genius in arguing that only their religion is right while others are fake. And they condemn those who argue with their beliefs.
However, I believe such people only make up a minority in Indonesia, while the majority are moderate, peaceful and tolerant.
The majority seems to enjoy the luxury to belittle other faiths without any fear. My Muslim friend, who is now studying in Australia, jokingly said it is the privilege of being the majority. Being part of the minority in Australia, he may now realize how he misses the majoritarian advantage.
Some Indonesians think they are free to say anything they like about other people, although they know their remarks are offensive. They insist they are not guilty, because they merely express what they think is wrong according to their faith or belief. But it is very different when the same remarks are addressed to them. This double-standard behavior is commonplace here.
It happened, too, when Singapore denied controversial Muslim cleric Abdul Somad Batubara an entry. Many of his followers and sympathizers condemned the city island government for humiliating Islam and their highly respected ulema. Their anger is understandable, but they know such strict immigration policy is not exclusive to Singapore.
Singapore rejected Somad’s entry on May 16 on the ground of his "extremist and segregationist teachings, which are unacceptable in Singapore's multiracial and multi-religious society". For many Indonesians, Somad is a revered ulema, but we cannot ask Singapore, a sovereign state, to hold the same view. Singapore has the full right to reject his entry, and the Indonesian government acknowledges it.
