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