Indonesia: Religious Affairs Minister wants Ahmadiyah to Attend "Religious Dialog"

When asked why the government was facilitating a dialog now, after many years of conflict, Surya only answered, “Better late than never.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: TEMPO Interactive
By Muhammad Toufik | March 15, 2011

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali says he will invite Ahmadiyah Indonesia to attend a religious dialog on March 22 – 25, 2011. The ministry has also promised to invite the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), Islamic organization representatives, legal experts, human rights experts and representatives from organizations supporting and opposing Ahmadiyah.

“We have set the date. It will be held in Jakarta. However, we are still looking for the venue,” said Suryadharma, following a meeting with Commission VIII.


According to Suryadharma, the meeting will help clarify the points of difference between the parties and the Religious Affairs Ministry will advise the government on the outcome.

When asked why the government was facilitating a dialog now, after many years of conflict, Surya only answered, “Better late than never.”

In 2008, the Religious Affairs Ministry together with the Home Affairs Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office, issued a joint decree concerning Ahmadiyah. The decree banned Ahmadiyah followers from carrying out activities and spreading their teachings.

MUHAMMAD TAUFIK


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