Indonesia not based on certain religious group

Jakarta, NU Online
General Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama KH Said Aqil Siroj said here recently that "Indonesia is not a country which is based on the rules of a particular group."

"Indonesia is not an Islamic state, not a Christian state, not a Catholic state, not a Hindu state, not a Buddhist state, not a Confucian state," he said, adding that Indonesia existed well because of its different citizens embracing such religions as Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. "That's Indonesia."

Therefore, Kiai Said urged all Indonesian citizens to fight against each other on the grounds of different religions, cultures and tribes.

"Never be trapped into any disputes based on different religions, tribes, parties, different votes for governor (candidate)," he said to laughter from the attendees.

Related to the Jakarta elections, Kiai Said added those who will vote for their governor candidates like Basuki Purnama Tjahaya Purnama (Ahok) and Anies Baswedan make ensure peace-making, peace-building and peace keeping.

"I believe that here there are same supporting Ahok and there are some others supporting Anies. Keep creating a peaceful life," he said.

Kiai Said also called for the importance of all Indonesian people to pay more attention to any practices in dealing with the nation's life as practiced by Prophet Muhammad when he was building Medina.

He said what was done by Prophet Muhammad is the model of an ideal state for all citizens have the same rights and obligations under the law. Although they are different races and religions, since they have having shared vision, mission, and purpose of the state, then there should be no hostility.

"There should be no hatred and hostility, unless there are some violating the laws," he said, "Let us create the peaceful life in Jakarta," he said. (Muchlishon Rochmat / Masdar)