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Pluralism in Indonesia Challenged: Ulil

There's some kind of cynicism toward people who are campaigning on pluralistic discourses.
Arfi Bambani Amri, Mohammad Adam

The fatwa that the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) issued in 2005 on Pluralism, Liberalism, and Neoliberalism is seen to have caused the setback in religious movements in Indonesia according to scholar Ulil Abshar-Abdalla. The fatwa deemed that pluralism endangers one's faith, which may lead to a downward effect on one's faith.

"There's some kind of cynicism toward people who are campaigning on pluralistic discourses," said Ulil on Thursday, Jan 21.

Therefore, said Ulil, the challenge being dealt with now is how to foster ideas on pluralism and inter-religion dialogues.

Ulil conceded the issue drove him to become more defensive in coping with pressures and cynicisms in terms of pluralism ideas, which he oftentimes endorses. In addition, prior to the reform era, there was a sort of pride amongst activists who promoted ideas on pluralism.

"Pluralism and inter-religion harmony was at that time considered as progressive and modern. However, after the MUI issued the instruction, we activists on pluralism were then somewhat afraid of speaking about the matter. The pressure was high," said Ulil.

Those proponents of pluralism would be labelled infidel. Pluralism was believed as haram. Ulil claimed that the situation will not be supportive as regards the existence of the state and nation. In a democratic country, where freedom of speech is highly advocated, such a hassle is indeed ominous.

An anticipation over the issue should be set out. "The ideas on pluralism should be brought forth once again in public," said Ulil.

Modern champions on pluralism such as the late Abdurrahman Wahid and Nurcholis Madjid, in Ulil's opinion, should be acknowledged by the people.

Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono

Source: http://en.vivanews.com/news/read/123189-pluralism_in_indonesia_challenged__ulil
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Indonesia KPK Summons A Japanese

The KPK summoned the man in an alleged corruption case on used electric trains.
Ita Lismawati F. Malau, Yudho Rahardjo

The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) includes a Japanese Hideyoki in its witness and suspect list.

The man is summoned by the KPK in an alleged corruption case on the bequest of used electric passenger trains from Japan.

Hideyoki was looked into as the electricity train project manager in Jakarta.

In this case, the KPK has named former Director General of Railroad System Soemino Eko Saputro.

The Rp 48 billion provision was carried out between 2006 and 2007. Hatta Rajasa was the minister of transportation then.

The endowment was a result of Japan's policy of not using electric train any longer since 1998-1999. At that time, Japan issued Law on Environment which prohibited the use of refrigerant or freon in every air conditioner installed in public transportation.

Indonesia is the only country whose electric railroad system resembles Japan. In 2004, through PT Kereta Api, the government bought 16 units of electric passenger trains to Itocu Corporation Japan worth 8 million yen per unit, including shipping and transaction costs. The government purchased 16 more units of series 8000 trains in 2005 from Tokyu Corporation by the same price.

A distribution contract was signed on November 30, 2006, involving Railroad Means Development Task Force with Sumitomo Corporation.

The types were considered worn. The Indonesia Corruption Watch suspected that state losses from the purchase reached 570 million yen.


Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono

Source: http://en.vivanews.com/news/read/123156-indonesia_kpk_summons_a_japanese
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