Indonesia: Leaders Express Diverse of Opinion on Ahmadiyah's Future

Ahmadiyah followers, according to Amien, have been known for committing no aggressive action and tend to be defensive within and surrounding their communities.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: The Indonesia Today
By The Indonesia Today | February 19, 2011

Theindonesiatoday.com - Indonesian leaders have expressed diverse of opinion on the future of Ahmadiyah, including on the recent calls to disband the organization.

Amien Rais, former speaker of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and currently chairman of advisory board of National Mandate Party (PAN), said no need to disband Ahmadiyah. "Let it be excommunicated instead," Amien said.

"Ahmadiyah have every rights to live, but shall be dismissed if they threatened the State's sovereignty, not because of they believe in the new prophet," Amien said.


Ahmadiyah followers, according to Amien, have been known for committing no aggressive action and tend to be defensive within and surrounding their communities.

On Friday, thousands of people from Islam Believers Forum (Forum Umat Islam) rallied to the State Palace demanding dissolution of Ahmadiyah. Earlier on Thursday (Feb 17), Djoko Suyanto, coordinating minister for politics, security, and human rights affairs, said suggestion to disband Ahmadiyah shall be studied comprehensively.

Jimly Asshiddiqie, former chief justice at the Constitutional Court, said court is the most appropriate venue to disband or maintain Ahmadiyah. "If you want to disband the organization, take it to court. It's fair enough," Jimly said.

He also raised question about demands from some groups to dismiss Ahmadiyah. "What are their mistakes that they don't deserve to live in Indonesia," Jimly said.

Akbar Tanjung, former House Speaker who is now chairman of advisory board of Golkar Party, said Ahmadiyah can't be dismissed because of what they are believing in. "If they're violating the law, then you have to do something, but not because of differences in faith of religion," Akbar said.

Jusuf Kalla, former vice president, disagrees with suggestions to excommunicate Ahmadiyah followers in a remote island in Indonesia. "They are also good citizen. The idea to move them to a remote island is an emotional suggestion," Kalla said.



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