Monday 30 November 2009

Jakarta, card. Tauran: il dialogo interreligioso non è un’opzione, ma una necessità

30/11/2009 10:46
INDONESIA

di Mathias Hariyadi
Il presidente del Pontificio consiglio per il dialogo interreligioso è in Indonesia, dove ha incontrato leader politici e personalità del mondo musulmano. Il Paese è esempio di società multi-culturale e garante della libertà di culto. Dai musulmani, sottolinea, dobbiamo imparare la pratica della fede e la disciplina.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – L’Indonesia, nazione musulmana più popolosa al mondo, è un esempio di società multi-culturale in cui è possibile il dialogo fra le diverse fedi, perché “essere credenti” significa al contempo possedere uno "spirito interreligioso”. È quanto ha affermato il card. Jean-Louis Tauran, presidente del Pontificio consiglio per il dialogo interreligioso, in visita in questi giorni nel Paese del Sud-est Asiatico.
“Creare un ponte per il dialogo non è un’opzione, ma una necessità” ha sottolineato a più riprese il card Tauran, incontrando personalità politiche – tra le quali Marie Elka Pangestu, Ministro del commercio – e leader cattolici come il card Julius Darmaatmadja, arcivescovo di Jakarta e il coadiutore mons. Ignatius Suharyo Pr.
Il porporato ha visitato (nella foto) la grande moschea di Istiqlal, a Jakarta, in più grande luogo di preghiera musulmano in tutto il Sud-est Asiatico, proprio di fronte alla cattedrale cattolica della capitale. Accompagnato da mons. Martinus D. Situmorang, presidente dei vescovi indonesiani, dal cardinale di Jakarta e da mons. Pujasumarta Pr, presidente della Commissione episcopale per il dialogo interreligioso, il card Tauran ha camminato a piedi scalzi – come vuole la tradizione – nel luogo sacro dell’islam più importante del Paese.
A riceverlo c'era Kiai Hajj Syarifuddin Muhammad, imam della moschea, il quale ha ricordato che “l’Istiqlal non è solo la casa dei musulmani, ma di tutti i fedeli delle diverse religioni”. La moschea, aggiunge il leader religioso musulmano, è un simbolo di “dialogo interreligioso” perché a costruirla è stato l’architetto cristiano Frederich Silaban e mutua il proprio nome dalla parola araba che significa “indipendenza”.
Il card. Tauran ha ringraziato l’imam per la calorosa accoglienza e ha manifestato parole di apprezzamento per l’atmosfera di “amicizia”. “Sembra che non vi sia – ha commentato – una differenza [sociale] tra i musulmani indonesiani e i concittadini cristiani”. Dai musulmani, ha poi aggiunto il porporato, i cristiani dovrebbero imparare la forte pratica di fede e la disciplina, come le preghiere al mattino presto. Con un gesto di amicizia, Nasarudin Umar, direttore del dipartimento governativo per gli affari religiosi, ha quindi chiesto al cardinale di battere il tamburo della moschea.
Il porporato ha poi incontrato i leader delle due principali organizzazioni musulmane indonesiane: il Muhammadiyah e il Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Egli si è complimentato con Din Syamsuddin, presidente del Muhammadiyah, per l’ospitalità e per i 100 anni di attività dell’organizzazione. I leader di NU, tra i quali l’ex presidente indonesiano Abdurrahman Wahid “Gus Dur”, hanno smentito il progetto di fondare uno Stato islamico indonesiano, rafforzando il progetto di “cooperazione e dialogo” con il mondo cristiano all’insegna dell’amicizia. “Il dialogo interreligioso – ha risposto il cardinale – non è un’opzione, ma un dovere”.
Il card. Tauran si recherà anche a Yogyakarta (nello Java Centrale), a Makassar (nelle Sulawesi meridionali” e a Bali, dove incontrerà il più alto rappresentante della religione induista del Paese. Il viaggio si concluderà domani, primo dicembre; prima della partenza per Roma è prevista una visita di cortesia al presidente indonesiano Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono e al Ministro degli esteri Marty Natalegawa.

Friday 20 November 2009

Bali bombs, God's will, says Ba'asyir

06/16/2006 14:21
INDONESIA

Muslim cleric involved in Bali bombing utters comments that worry US and Australia soon after being release from jail. Indonesian police will not monitor his activities arguing that to do so would violate his human rights, whilst other people evoke unfair trials of Christians.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) Militant Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, freed two days ago for good behaviour after 26 months in jail for his complicity in the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings, yesterday described the attack as God's will, and said those who carried out terrorist attacks across Indonesia were "holy warriors".

The cleric criticised US President George W. Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard for waging war against Muslims in Iraq and Afghanistan, and called on them to "convert to Islam".

Australian Prime Minister John Howard yesterday sent a letter to Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressing his country's "distress" over Mr Ba'asyir's release, urging the Indonesian authorities to monitor the cleric's activities.

The Indonesians disagree. Indonesian police chief Sutanto said that placing Ba'asyir under constant monitoring would violate his human rights, this despite the fact that on Tuesday, when Ba'asyir was released, police had announced they would monitor every "incendiary" speech the firebrand preacher might make.

Mr Howard, who is scheduled to meet Susilo at the end of the month, warned that the release of the alleged leader of the al-Qaeda–linked South-East Asian terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah could affect relations between the two countries.

For his part, the Indonesian President reiterated his country's commitment to the fight against terrorism. "Our national efforts to combat terrorism are not measured by the release of Ba'asyir," he said.

Jemaah Islamiah is held responsible for the major terrorist attacks in Indonesia, including the bombings of the Marriot Hotel and Australian Embassy in Jakarta in 2003 and 2004, and a triple suicide bombing in Bali last year that left 20 people dead. In the 2002 Bali bombings 202 people died; 88 of them were Australians.

The Muslim cleric has always claimed his innocence in the affair. Yesterday he described the suicide bombers, who kill in the name of Islam, "holy warriors", but said they were wrong to use bombs in a country at peace. "Why use bombs in a non-conflict zone, preaching is enough."

Asked about families suffering from the Bali blasts, Mr Ba'asyir said the attacks "were God's will" and survivors should "convert to Islam" to ease their pain. However, not all share his views. Many in Indonesia have expressed disapproval upon his release.

Human rights activists have stressed that "the partner to an act that killed hundreds of innocent people is freed after two years, whilst three Christian teachers unjustly charged with 'proselytising' are serving a three-year sentence, and three Catholics are set to be executed after an unfair trial conducted under the influence of Islamic fundamentalists.

Presidential elections in jeopardy after attack

09/13/2004 16:21
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
For Mgr Ranjith, Papal Nuncio in Jakarta, more interfaith dialogue is needed to counter hatred.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) Last Thursday's attack against the Australian Embassy might influence the upcoming presidential run-off between Megawati Sukarnoputri and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono scheduled for September 20.

"The bombing will be interpreted as a sign that Megawati's government is incapable of ensuring security and has to be replaced," said analyst Indria Samego. In a situation of fear and threats former General and Security Minister Susilo's military background might work to his advantage. "People are searching for safety and this state of alert will give him another push," the analyst said.

Whilst condemning the attack some religious leaders have expressed concern that it might harm the reputation of the country's Muslim population. They repeatedly stressed that the attack was not religiously motivate and could not be assimilated to conflicts in Ambon, Moluccas and Poso in central Sulawesi.

The Papal Nuncio in Indonesia, Mgr Albert Malcolm Ranjith Patabendige, shares this view.

"I strongly doubt," the Nuncio said, "that the latest bomb attack has its roots in religious conflict. No religion –not even Islam– teaches its adherents to be hostile to others, no religion legitimises violence as a way to achieve something." The Vatican Ambassador went on to say that "good communication and a good relationship between religious leaders should be enhanced to minimise the possibility of misunderstanding that so easily triggers a sentiment of hatred among their followers."

Professor Azyumardi Azra, Rector of the Islamic Studies Institute, agrees. "It is more important now to enhance good relations between religious leaders than blaming certain groups," he said.

Hasyim Muzadi, candidate to the vice presidency and a member of Nahdlatul Ulama, the country's largest Islamic organisation, called on the government not to take advantage of the situation for partisan purposes. "The police was too quick to blame Jemaah Islamiyah, which is linked to al-Qaeda, without any evidence," he said. "In doing so they seem to be accusing Muslims for the attack and have ended up denigrating us without reasons."

Ismail Yusanto, spokesperson for the Muslim organisation Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, also warned against possible manipulation. "The police should not use the embassy attack to discredit Indonesian Muslims," he said. "We condemn the attack and disassociate ourselves from its authors."

The Bali Hindu Students' Association expressed sorrow for the victims and called Thursday's attack "a tragedy for the whole of Indonesia".

The attack comes a month before Australia's parliamentary elections. In the statement claiming responsibility released on an Islamic website the day after the attack, Jemaah said: "We decided to call Australia to account, which we consider one of the worst enemies [. . .] of Islam". Investigators are still trying to determine the message's authenticity.

Suspects in Australian Embassy blast named

09/16/2004 14:58
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Threats made against Catholic school. Stop violence! It is against Islam, says convicted terrorist Ali Imron.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The men who carried out the bomb attack against Australia's Embassy in Jakarta last week are now known to authorities. They are Hasan Nur Sodiq and Jabir, otherwise known as Nanang.

Police has not yet determined whether the two died in the blast or are still alive. DNA tests on the bodies found at the site are still under way.

Jemaah Islamiahal-Qaeda's presumed South-East Asian operational offshoot– claimed responsibility for the attack.

The names of the two suspects came up during investigations in East Java following interrogations of local Muslim leaders. Hassan is originally from Blitar (East Java), but was recognised by a neighbour in the region's capital of Surabaya after his and his accomplice's photo were broadcast on television. Police arrested two people last night for allegedly renting a house to the terrorists.

In the meantime, the whole country remains in a state of alert against other possible terror attacks. A Surabaya Catholic school run by the Sisters of Saint Ursula received bomb threats by phone. Days earlier, the city's US Consulate General and the French Cultural Centre received similar threats. So did the Duta Tower business centre in Jakarta.

President Megawati urged her fellow Indonesians to be "extremely vigilant" against possible acts of violence that might disrupt the September 20 presidential run-off election. "I have instructed all security forces to remain in a state of readiness across the country," she said. Police chief Dai Bachtiar announced that 200,000 officers have been deployed to enforce public order.

Investigators are now focusing on possible attacks by Jemaah in the city of Surakarta (Central Java). According to rumours three terrorists are said to be preparing a terror attack there. Azahari Husin and Noordin Mohammad Topper, the two Malaysians suspected of masterminding the attacks against the Australian Embassy and the Mariott Hotel (in October 2003), are also thought to be in the Surakarta area. Authorities are offering a US$ 100,000 reward to anyone giving information leading to the arrest of the two wanted Malaysians.

Ali Imron, one of the authors of the October 2002 Bali attack that killed 202 people, appealed to his erstwhile Jemaah comrades to put an end to terrorism in Indonesia. "Please stop any hostile activities and violence toward others. It is no use," said a remorseful Imron.

The 34-year-old teacher was sentenced to life imprisonment in September 2003. In the course of his trial he confessed to making the Bali bombs. Interrogated by police he also said that terror attacks "are a betrayal of Islamic precepts" and asked the victims' families for their forgiveness.

Indonesian Catholics helping farmers and labourers

11/19/2009 14:20
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Farmers are powerless in the face of shrinking farmland and foreign competition. KPTT, an organisation founded by a Dutch Jesuit, holds a two-day workshop in Central Java to discuss the matter.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – In Indonesia farmers and labourers are powerless, living on the edges of society. Farmers have also lost a lot of farmland to large-scale industrial development.

“The problems of everyday life are getting worse,” Fr Winangun said. “On the market, the price of wheat is low, but the cost of seeds is rising sharply.”

However, sharing these problems tends to sharpen a sense of solidarity among those involved. People are forced to come up with solutions to common problems, protecting their rights and improving their quality of life, this according to a two-day workshop organised by an Indonesian Catholic NGO that brought together 34 farmers and workers in Salatiga, a town in Central Java.

“Our mission is to improve farmers’ morale,” said Fr John Wartaya Winangun SJ, director of KPTT, an organisation founded in 1964 by a Dutch Jesuit, Fr Callens.

The meeting, which took place last week, saw farmers and labourers (pictured) come from Jakarta, Central Java and East Java.

Those present talked about their “experiences and problems,” Fr Winangun said. They also tried to develop common solutions to “improve their quality of life.”

Networking in support of workers is an essential part of that because it enables members to “promote their products” and “exchange ideas and opinions,” the priest said.

Farm workers face the same challenges. Not only are they paid low wages but they are also subject to haphazard working conditions, increasingly at the mercy of outside businesses that penalises local production.

Boosting solidarity to help local farmers develop the country’s agriculture go hand in hand with a better quality of life, the KPTT director said.

Ulema indonesiani boicottano l'apocalittico “2012”: è blasfemo

20/11/2009 11:03
INDONESIA

di Mathias Hariyadi
A destare controversie il racconto del giorno del giudizio: una moschea è rasa al suolo e la salvezza è possibile solo in una chiesa. In diverse zone del Paese i fondamentalisti impediscono la proiezione del film e compiono raid negli internet-point. Leader islamico: è proselitismo cristiano. Musulmano moderato: è solo un film.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Il Consiglio indonesiano degli Ulema (Mui) condanna per blasfemia l'apocalittico film “2012” di Roland Emmerich e invita i musulmani del Paese a disertare le sale cinematografiche. L’ultima opera del regista autore di “Indipendence Day” e “The day after tomorrow” conterrebbe scene contrarie ai principi dell’islam; i leader musulmani, infatti, si sentono oltraggiati perché la salvezza di una famiglia nel “giorno del giudizio” è dipesa dalla decisione di “ripararsi in una chiesa”, mentre il film mostra la completa distruzione di una moschea.
La delibera del Mui ha già scatenato una polemica profonda in Indonesia, a tre mesi dall’editto in cui bollavano come “pratica illecita” il fumo per le donne. Oggi i leader islamici si scagliano contro “2012” di Emmerich, film ispirato a una antica profezia Maya secondo cui la fine del mondo avverrà il 21 dicembre 2012. Il kolossal mostra scene “illecite” e trasmette il messaggio per cui “la salvezza si raggiunge solo nella chiesa”.
Le prime polemiche contro il film sono divampate la scorsa settimana nel distretto di Malang, nella provincia di East Java, quando il leader degli ulema locale ha emanato un “editto” in cui invitava i residenti della zona a disertare le sale cinematografiche. Secondo Kiai Hajj Mahmud Zubaidi l’opera trasmette “messaggi fuorvianti” e aggiunge che “il D-day per i musulmani è segreto e solo Dio sa quando avverrà”.
La presa di posizione degli ulema è destinata a scatenare un’aspra polemica nel Paese, che vedrà contrapposti “due diversi schieramenti”. Intanto le sale cinematografiche sono prese d’assalto e l’ala musulmana moderata sottolinea che “si tratta solo di un film” e non ha “niente a che vedere con la fede”.
A Surakarta, nello Java centrale, i leader locali del Mui hanno imposto il blocco delle proiezioni nelle sale cinematografiche. Nel distretto di Stubondo, nella provincia di East Java, i fondamentalisti hanno compiuto spedizioni negli internet-point per impedire di scaricare il film. “Condanniamo nella maniera più assoluta – dichiara Kiai Hajj Abdullah Faqih Gufron – il film illecito, perché lascia senza difese la popolazione di Sitibondo di fronte a una scena controversa”. Egli chiede anche l’intervento di Tifatul Sembiring, Ministro per le comunicazioni ed ex presidente del movimento semi-fondamentalista Prosperous Justice Party (Pks).
Amidhan, capo nazionale del Mui, aggiunge che l’ente indonesiano preposto alla censura (Lsf) non ha preso “le dovute precauzioni” approvando una scena “così delicata”. Egli si riferisce alle immagini del “giorno del giudizio”, in cui si assiste alla distruzione di una moschea, mentre l’edificio cristiano è perfettamente integro. “Ogni proselitismo della fede [cristiana] – chiosa – va tagliato”.
Diversa l’opinione di un altro leader Mui, Kiai Hajj Ma’ruf Amin: “è solo finzione – spiega – un prodotto della creatività e dell’immaginario. Nessuno sa quando avverrà il giorno del giudizio. Non vedo niente di illecito e lasciamo che le persone si divertano a guardarlo”. Saifullah Yusuf, vice-governatore di East Java, invita i leader musulmani a essere “più saggi quando trattano questi argomenti: un film è un prodotto della creatività dell’uomo e il Mui non dovrebbe diffondere pareri non richiesti”.

invia ad un amico visualizza per la stampa

Sunday 15 November 2009

The Indonesian parliament adopts anti-pornography bill

10/30/2008 16:11
INDONESIA
by Mathias Hariyadi
MPs present voted unanimously for the bill. Opposition parties did not however participate in the vote. Dissent explodes in online forums. A Jakarta court sentences an Islamic fundamentalist leader to jail for fomenting clashes last June.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – With opposition MPs absent, Indonesia’s parliament approved an anti-porn bill that was welcomed by supporters who loudly rejoiced with prayers to Allah. In online newspaper forums many ordinary citizens reacted angrily however, slamming what they consider a step backward for Indonesia and an “obscurantist” decision.

Today the lower house in Indonesia’s parliament approved the controversial anti-pornography bill, known in Bahasa Indonesia as Undang-undang Pornografi, Uu App. Since it was tabled it has been at the centre of intense discussions because it is seen as a step towards introducing Sharia law into the country’s legal system along the lines of Saudi Arabia.

In recent weeks human rights activists and representatives of political and religious minorities, including the Catholic Church, have strenuously objected to the law.

According to its critics, the law eliminates “cultural” differences and undermines “national unity”. As it stands it is all but an attempt by Muslim fundamentalists to introduce Islamic law into the country’s legal system.

The anti-porn law was approved almost unanimously but MPs for the Indonesian Democracy Struggle Party (PDIP) and the Christian-based Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) were not in the house in protest against the bill.

A supporter of the new law named Lasmiantini, a member of a group called Salima or Muslim Sisters, felt great about it.

“Inshallah, God willing, Indonesia shall finally see the rebirth of morality,” she said.

“We are happy,” she added, “because we won the battle to defend our children and it [the law] will also protect women.”

“Educational TV programmes” will be promoted “to improve moral values as the basis of society.

Pro-law activists said that the legislation can be improved to “avoid excesses”, denying at the same time that negative views were expressed “against the bill in some provinces.”

Meuthia Hatta, daughter of Mohammad Hatta, one of Indonesia’s founding fathers, noted that the law “does not violate the principles of freedom of expression” but instead protects people from the harm done by pornography.

“Our focus was on this aspect rather than on political squabbles with nationalist groups and NGOs,” said the minister of for Woman Empowerment.

In the meantime a court in Jakarta issued an important ruling in the fight against Islamic fundamentalism.

Judge Panusunan Harahap sentenced Habib Rizieq Shihab, head of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), to 18 months in jail for “fomenting clashes in Jakarta last 1 June between radical Muslims and moderates, who were demonstrating in favour of religious freedom in the country.”

At that time Muslim fundamentalists attacked moderate Muslims from the National Alliance for Religious Freedom (AKKBB), who were peacefully demonstrating in support of the Ahmadis, a small Muslim community (about half a million) who are considered heretical in several Muslim countries like Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

Former Indonesian President defends a Catholic church

10/22/2004 18:32
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid (aka Gus Dur) is a moderate Muslim leader who says that religious freedom must be guaranteed for Catholics or he will take their case to court. Some 500 attacks have been reported in the country in the last 14 years.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid condemned in no uncertain terms the forced closure by local Muslim militants of the St Bernadette Catholic School in Cileduk, Banten province (40 km west of Jakarta). Speaking before the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the country's largest Muslim organisation, Wahid, who is also known as Gus Dur and is a former NU chairman, urged local authorities to let the school reopen.

The school is part of a compound managed by the Sisters of the Child Jesus and was forced shut in early October by members of the Islam Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam or FPI).

For the past ten years, local Catholics have had to use the gym to say mass because municipal authorities have refused them the necessary permits to build an actual church.

According to Wahid local officials "are responsible for the St Bernadette Compound's closure" and "have forced the priests and the nuns to sign a statement in which they pledged never to use the gym as a temporary church". This is really bad, he said.

"On behalf of myself and the Muslim community in the country, I strongly urge the major of Tangerang and Lurah (village chief) to stop disrupting religious services in the St Bernadette compound. If my demands are not soon met, have no doubts that I shall bring the issue to court," he added. The former president also met the representatives of St Bernadette School, its priests and nuns and some parents to assure them of his support.

Speaking to journalists, he stressed that the perpetrators of the attack against the Catholic school violated Indonesia's constitution. "Every Indonesian citizen," he said, "has the right to express his or her religious beliefs and the state has a duty to facilitate it".

Addressing the country's Muslim religious leaders, he asked: "Where are they now that fellow citizens are violating the human rights of minority Catholics?"

The former president urged all Indonesians to oppose the fundamentalists and fight any form of religious intolerance.

Fr Franz von Magnis-Suseno, lecturer in philosophy at Jakarta's Jesuit-run Driyarkara Institute, does not mince his words when it comes to describing the situation of Christian minorities. "Religious Harmony? Tolerance? Well, it is all bull!" he said. When talking about fundamentalist attacks, he added: "I can't stand all these despicable acts."

"What happened at St Bernadette is not an isolated case," he wrote in Suara Pembaruan, "two months ago, the mayor of Bandung (West Java's capital) signed an official decree for the demolition of 12 churches." Moreover, he stressed, "for some time, attacks against churches, mostly Protestant, have become almost routine. Since 1990 at least 500 attacks have been reported. That's one a week."

For Father Suseno, "the problem is that for Muslim fundamentalists Christianity has to go. It is true that some people have converted to Christianity, but they are just a handful. I am just dismayed that the evangelisation boogeyman is being used and abused by some Muslims to justify anti-Christian violence."

West Java, court to decide on construction of Church of St Mary

11/13/2009 12:10
INDONESIA

by Mathias Hariyadi
A team of lawyers filed the appeal against the revocation of the permit for construction of the Catholic place of worship. Flagrant violation of human rights. A Muslim woman among the lawyers looking after the interests of the diocese.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The Catholics of West Java are lodging a case in court against the revocation of the permit to build the Catholic church of Saint Mary, in the district of Purwakarta. The lawyer Liona M. Supriatna confirmed the news to AsiaNews that 'the document has already been sent to the local administrative court (Ptun). "Now we are waiting for the date of our hearing - he adds - to put the matter to the courts".

The church of Saint Mary is at the centre of a dispute among the faithful, the authorities and the local Muslim community. On 19 October last year the administration revoked the building’s permit issued on 8 April 2009 with a measure adopted unanimously by the Interfaith Dialogue Forum Agency (Fkub) of Purwakarta. The withdrawal of clearance is the result of protests triggered by members of the Front for the Defence of Islam (FPI), who have denounced alleged "irregularities" in the issuing of permits.

The process for building a church in Indonesia - Catholic or Protestant - is very complicated and it may take from two to seven years before obtaining all authorizations required by law. The procedure is governed by the Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (IMB), a type of permit that allows for a construction site to be opened and is issued by local authorities. The story gets more complicated if it is a place of Christian worship: it must be cleared by at least 60 residents in the area where the building is to be constructed and by the local Group for interfaith dialogue. And even if permission is obtained, "unspecified reasons" can take over that lead officials to block the projects. Often under pressure from the Muslim community or radical Islamic movements in the name of religious fanaticism.

Liona M. Supriatna, a lawyer who looks after the interests of the diocese, speaks of "totally baseless accusations”. The diocese has completed the process required for the issuing of documents following the procedures of the law, and obtained the "support of local residents." According to the Interfaith Dialogue Forum Agency (Fkub), the church of Saint Mary obtained only 45 positive opinions instead of the more than 60 required by law.

The lawyer points to the Indonesian Constitution, which stipulates, among basic human rights, "freedom of worship and practice of faith." "Every obstacle – he comments - which is interposed by law, should be considered a serious violation of human rights." The team called upon to plead the Catholics case in court also includes Sentosa Sembiring, Nyan Wangs, A. Joni Minulyo, R.B. Budi Prastowo, Andreas D. Sukman, Salome Ginting, and Hj. Efran Hemy, the only woman lawyer, of Muslim faith, of the group.

Until the case is discussed in court, local politicians say they are "in the middle of a dilemma" over a very sensitive issue. "If the church is built with our approval and support - says Muhammad Rifai, an official in the district of Purwakarta - we will suffer pressures from members of the FPI. When the IMB was revoked, the Church announced that it will appeal and we are ready for the challenge".

Friday 13 November 2009

West Java, il tribunale deciderà per la costruzione della chiesa di Santa Maria

13/11/2009 11:13
INDONESIA

di Mathias Hariyadi
Un team di avvocati ha depositato il ricorso contro la revoca del permesso di edificazione del luogo di culto cattolico. Palese violazione dei diritti umani. Tra gli avvocati che curano gli interessi della diocesi una donna musulmana.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – I cattolici del West Java ricorrono in tribunale contro la revoca del permesso di costruzione della chiesa cattolica di Santa Maria, nel distretto di Purwakarta. Lo conferma ad AsiaNews il legale Liona M. Supriatna, secondo cui “il documento è già stato inviato al tribunale amministrativo locale (Ptun)”. “Ora aspettiamo – aggiunge – la data della convocazione, per discutere della questione davanti ai giudici”.

La chiesa di Santa Maria è al centro di una disputa fra i fedeli, le autorità e la comunità musulmana locale. Il 19 ottobre scorso l’amministrazione ha revocato il permesso di edificazione, rilasciato l’8 aprile 2009 con un provvedimento adottato all’unanimità dall’Interfaith Dialogue Forum Agency (Fkub) di Purwakarta. Il ritiro del nulla osta è frutto della protesta scatenata dai membri del Fronte per la difesa dell’islam (Fpi), che hanno denunciato presunte “irregolarità” nell'iter dei permessi.

L’iter per la costruzione di una chiesa in Indonesia – cattolica o protestante – è assai complicato e possono trascorrere da due a sette anni prima di ottenere tutte le autorizzazioni richieste dalla legge. Il procedimento è regolato dall’Izin Mendirikan Bangunan (Imb), una sorta di delibera scritta che permette l’apertura di un cantiere ed è rilasciato dalle autorità locali. La vicenda si complica se si tratta di un luogo di culto cristiano: serve infatti il nulla osta di almeno 60 residenti nell’area in cui viene costruito l’edificio e del gruppo per il dialogo interreligioso. E pur disponendo delle autorizzazioni, possono subentrare “non meglio precisate motivazioni” che spingono i funzionari a bloccare i progetti. Spesso dietro pressioni della comunità musulmana o di movimenti radicali islamici, in nome di un fanatismo religioso.

Liona M. Supriatna, avvocato che cura gli interessi della diocesi, parla di “accuse totalmente infondate”. La diocesi ha completato l’iter richiesto per il rilascio dei documenti seguendo le procedure di legge, ottenendo anche “il sostegno dei residenti della zona”. Secondo l’Interfaith Dialogue Forum Agency (Fkub), la chiesa di Santa Maria avrebbe ottenuto solo 45 pareri positivi invece degli oltre 60 richiesti per legge.

Il legale rispolvera la Costituzione indonesiana che sancisce, fra i diritti umani di base, la “libertà di culto e di pratica di fede”. “Ogni ostacolo – commenta – che viene frapposto per legge, dovrebbe essere considerato una grave violazione dei diritti umani”. Il team chiamato a perorare in tribunale le ragioni dei cattolici comprende anche Sentosa Sembiring, Nyana Wangsa, A. Joni Minulyo, R.B. Budi Prastowo, Andreas D. Sukmana, Salomo Ginting, e Hj. Efran Hemy, l’unica donna avvocato, di religione musulmana, del gruppo.

In attesa che il caso venga discusso in tribunale, i politici locali spiegano di trovarsi “nel mezzo di un dilemma” per una questione assai delicata. “Se la chiesa viene costruita con la nostra approvazione e il sostegno ufficiale – afferma Muhammad Rifai, funzionario del distretto di Purwakarta – subiamo le pressioni dei membri dell’Fpi. Quando è giunta la revoca dell’Imb, la Chiesa ha annunciato che farà ricorso e siamo pronti ad affrontare la sfida”.

Thursday 12 November 2009

Jakarta al buio, indonesiani in rivolta contro la compagnia elettrica

12/11/2009 11:06
INDONESIA
di Mathias Hariyadi

Sotto accusa i dirigenti della PLN Electricity Company, che promettono risarcimenti. Disagi anche nell’East Java e nelle South Sulawesi. Nelle ultime settimane anche 10/12 ore al giorno senza energia elettrica. Perdite “monumentali” per 32 mila piccole e medie imprese della zona.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Non è bastata la promessa di risarcimenti, per placare la rivolta dei cittadini di Jakarta contro la compagnia elettrica nazionale che da giorni lascia al buio intere zone del Paese. Sotto accusa i dirigenti della PLN Electricity Company, responsabile dei ripetuti blackout che hanno colpito la capitale e numerose cittadine dei dintorni nelle scorse settimane. A causare la mancata fornitura di corrente, una serie di malfunzionamenti in un impianto a nord di Jakarta.
Fahmi Mochtar, presidente della PLN, garantisce risarcimenti ai clienti. La mancanza di elettricità ha costretto milioni di persone a Jakarta, nell’East Java e nelle South Sulawesi a vivere nella completa oscurità. I blackout durano anche 10/12 ore al giorno. Solo i centri che dispongono di generatori di elettricità – ospedali, supermercati e hotel – e i ricchi riescono a “sopravvivere” in questo periodo di forte disagio.
Per i meno fortunati la situazione è quasi disperata. Dopo aver speso diverse ore nel traffico cittadino, ormai al limite del collasso, quando rientrano a casa piombano nella più completa oscurità. La maggioranza dei cittadini può contare solo sull’uso di candele per illuminare le abitazioni; spesso devono anche far fronte alla mancanza di acqua potabile.
“Ho paura che possano divampare incendi” afferma Mukimah, casalinga di Cileduk, nella reggenza di Tangerang, “perché ci addormentiamo mentre le candele sono ancora accese”. Yenny, casalinga di South Jakarta, aggiunge che “i bambini piangono in continuazione per l’atmosfera di insicurezza che si respira a causa dell’oscurità”.
Gravi disagi si registrano negli uffici pubblici, dove manca l’aria condizionata, i computer restano spenti e i dipendenti sono costretti a lavorare a lume di candela. Ma il settore più colpito è quello dell’industria, dove monta la protesta degli imprenditori. Ernovia G. Ismy, leader dell’Associazione dell’industria tessile, denuncia pesanti perdite nel fatturato. “La situazione continua a peggiorare – afferma – perché non vengono nemmeno rispettati i tempi di interruzione dell’energia”. A questo si aggiunge il pagamento degli straordinari per gli operai, che si fermano oltre l’orario di lavoro – spesso anche di notte – quando il servizio viene ripristinato e le macchine possono funzionare.
L’Associazione dei consumatori indonesiana (YLKI) ha diffuso un comunicato stampa in cui annuncia azioni legai contro la PLN Electricity Company. Sudaryatmo, rappresentante Ylki, sottolinea che “un risarcimento del 10% non è abbastanza”. Proteste giungono infine anche dalla Camera di commercio e industria di Jakarta (Kadin), secondo cui più di 32 mila piccole e medie imprese della capitale hanno subito perdite “monumentali” in seguito ai blackout.

Tuesday 3 November 2009

Catholic hospital serves the sick and poor: Indonesian BIshops told

» 11/03/2009 11:58
INDONESIA
Indonesian Bishops: Catholic hospitals to serve the sick, not for profit
by Mathias Hariyadi
Health at the centre of the annual meeting of the Conference of Bishops. The prelates call attention to abuses of the good faith of patients, often reduced to "clients". Apostolic Nuncio: honour human life from conception to death.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - The national health system and hospitals of Catholic inspiration were the issues at the opening of the annual meeting of bishops in Indonesia (KWI), underway in Jakarta until 12 November. The bishops have called for authorities to "monitor closely" the services provided and ensure that they the names of saints or Christian references are not used in order to attract "patients" who end up being treated like "customers" resulting in the abuse of their good faith.

In the presence of 38 prelates Indonesian Fr. CB Kusmaryanto, professor of moral theology and a priest of the Order of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, presented a paper entitled "Spirituality and medical morality of modern medical technology." Among the most malicious phenomena of "misleading advertising", the cleric cited the use of the word "customers" instead of "patients" and warns: "We must be informed about Catholic hospitals that pursue only profit, instead of offering a good public service".

A concern confirmed by Msgr. Johannes Pujasumarta Pr, Bishop of Bandung, who has called for an investigation of the "services provided" in places of care. In Indonesia, in fact, many public hospitals intentionally use names of the saints as patrons, a practice that makes them very popular and allows them to earn hundreds of new customers. A malpractice, that of calling patients "clients", which according to Fr. Kusmaryanto is taking root even in the Christian institutions. Bishop Pujasumarta recalls that "providing a public health service is an effective way to preach the Gospel", safeguarde "moral values" and help "the needy".

A call to uphold Christian values in the health sector also comes from Msgr. Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to Indonesia, who recalls the duty to honour human life "from conception to death." A most pressing issue in modern day medicine in which many seek to derive profits from illness.

The opening Mass of the meeting was attended by Msgr. Martinus Dogma Situmorang, president of the Bishops Conference, Msgr. Bishop Sutrisnaatmaka, Bishop of Palangkaraya and secretary general Kwi, Stephen Agus, Director of General Affairs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, as well as many other priests.