The nation of Indonesia is often cited as an exemplar of a “moderate” Islamic society (though of course it has had its share of Muslim extremism and terror). It is far from a being a tolerant, pluralistic society along Western lines, however; though one is “free” to worship, only five religions are on the list of government-approved options: Islam, Catholic and Protestant Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism. (It is no surprise, of course, that Judaism is not on the menu.)
Now we learn from today’s New York Times that, following natural hydrostatic principles, the rising tide of fundamentalist Islam continues to submerge whatever low-lying territory it encounters:
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono signed a decree on Monday ordering members of a minority Muslim sect to stop practicing their form of Islam or face arrest.
Members of the sect, known as Ahmadiyah, do not believe that Muhammad was the last prophet, contrary to a central tenet of mainstream Islam. They have been the victims of violent attacks by extremists in recent years.
Mr. Yudhoyono, who is expected to seek re-election next year, has been caught between moderate Muslim and human rights groups that are fighting for pluralism in Indonesia and fundamentalist Muslim organizations that are pressing for the country to adopt Shariah law and become an Islamic state.
Ah yes, caught between the moderates and the extremists. The “moderates”, of course, presumably stand for civility, lawfulness, non-violence, and reason (at least in relative terms), while the extremists — well, we already know how they operate. It must have been a tough choice for Mr Yudhoyono, especially in an election year: after all, there’s nothing more fearsome than an enraged moderate.
Contrary to what we’ve been led to expect, it’s beginning to look as if the meek aren’t the ones who are about to inherit the earth.
Read the story here.
2 Comments
The norms have been shifting in Indonesia… For many decades – When I was there in the late 70’s to early 80’s; “Adat” or the way of doing things, was pretty open to interpretation in most of Java & Bali, which is to say the more heavily touristed destinations…
Most of the islands had their own way -with many religions scattered amongst them… Where the Spanish had been strong -Catholicism was still being practiced – in the Mulluccas and Celebes for instance…Bali was predominantly Hindu and remains a strong enclave with little Islamic influence in many places…
That yet another National leader is cowed & directed by extremests, be they born again Christians or fervant Muslems is not so odd. It seems to me, that in a nation like Indonesia , that is so diverse in its indiginous peoples and cultures, it is ill advised at best… to cow-tow to any group at the exclusion of another group…
I guess the Ba-hais would also be castigated there these days, but when I was there they seemed to be on the up-swing among the youth; those wanting a faith that cast a wider net perhaps…
Bali has an interesting arrangement, with their fascinating water-temple system; it’s an outstanding example of religion as a utilitarian adaptation.