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)
