Day 14

Suffering Buddha

                                                                               --Shannon Cassidy, Lehigh University

Though the discussions and lectures we’ve attended have been informative, I’ve felt that most speakers voice very diplomatic perspectives. Based on experience alone, it is clear that all religions are accepted and Indonesians are open to learn about faiths that are different from their own. However, I want to know if Muhamadeeyah is critical of the way NU interprets Islam and adapts it to local culture. If so, has a conflict ever arisen as a result? 

We were told today that in some areas populated predominately by conservative Muslims, it can be very difficult for Christian families to receive approval from the government to establish a Church due to great opposition. Having different opinions and arguments is obviously essential for Indonesia, but are debates or negotiations as peaceful as they are described? 

Today, at the Islamic Boarding School, a controversial topic arose and we finally became engaged in an open, unfiltered conversation. We were asked why Westerners don’t make an effort to understand Islam. After a week in a half discussing religion and democracy, this was the first time this topic was presented. I was unaware that Westerners were reduced to such a concerning generalization. From my experience, students are taking Arabic classes, analyzing Islam societies, and traveling to Muslim countries more than every before. Granted these are peers from the east coast, so I’m not sure what the other half of the U.S. thinks about Islam. 

During the discussion, it was explained that many Americans’ perspectives of Islam are shaped by acts committed by Islamic terrorists and the media’s inflation of their presence. In reality, Islamic radicalists make up a very minor portion of the Muslim population. My question then was why is their voice the loudest? Why is there a silent majority? Why aren’t Muslim leaders around the world speaking up and condemning this use of violence? So, it’s not as though Westerners are not making an effort to understand Islam, rather, they are only exposed to the most explosive group of Muslims. 

It’s interesting because most religions have leaders to speak for them when an important issue arises as exemplified by the Pope. Islam does not have an authority who will speak on the politics of what it means to be Muslim because it encompasses so many different interpretations. If they all agree that the Jihad should not be used as a means to justify violence, then can they come together and openly reject the extremists? It is inevitable that people across the globe will succumb to the power of the media, which in itself is a frustrating issue, but in order to help Westerners understand Islam, then shouldn’t they take advantage of it?

--Angela Farren, Lehigh University

 

We went to Pesantren Tegalrejo, which is affiliated to Nahdhlatul Ulama (NU). Although Angela might think that the speaker sound very diplomatic, I believe I can trust his explanation. We've been learning about the different perspective about NU and Muhammadiyah in Jakarta. We even visited their offices. And in these visits, we could see the difference between these 2 organizations, even through their appearances. For example, Muhammadiyah people really do look more progressive. The people are young, they speak english, and they have more projects and concerns toward global issues today such as technology and disaster management. Meanwhile our NU speakers are older, they didnt speak english, they still wearing gamis and peci (Islamic clothing), and they are more concern in learning Al-Quran, Hadits, Islamic classical texts. Our visit in NU Pesantren today were conforming these characteristics. Although the pesantren now provides formal and more modern type education, but they want to preserve the old teaching system.
 

The positive value of NU, as I personally see, is the fact that it accomodates tradition. For example, NU customs still preserve traditional practices like commemorating the death of someone for days, months, even years. This is something that forbids by Muhammadiyah, because the organization's goal is to purify Islamic practices into what is been teaching by the prophets. Most of the NU members are coming from lower classes (grass roots), meanwhile Muhammadiyah's are mostly from middle to upper class. That is why, I feel optimistic that NU can play a great role in spreading pluralism teachings to people. Because of its ability to reach people, into the grass roots level.
 

As I live in this country for 21 years, I never see any big clash between NU and Muhammadiyah. Of course they are different, and I believe there are disagreement. For example, they determine different days of Idul Fitri, because they have different methods in decision making. Muhammadiyah uses math, and NU still using the traditional method which is observing the moon. But there are no propaganda against each other. And I've been talking to people from both groups, and all of them see the different as a matter of choice. Basically, it isn't a big deal.
 

I agree that all moslem should united to against extremism. But aside from that, especially when we talk about Indonesia, it is also the government who can play very important role. Because extremism action is also about the implementation of law and order. There are many writings or articles in Indonesian mass media that condemn or even strongly against the extremism, FPI, terrorist, and so on. But these groups of minority cannot be removed just because of the opinions or articles. But we need an actual assertive government who can take stand and do something about them.
 

After all, we had some of very interesting dialogues over today. And I hope everyone feeling better with their stomach tomorrow! ♥

--Anggita Paramesti, Gadjah Mada University

Shannon, in jilbab

                                                                                      

  Today's lecture!

--Cindhi Cintokowati, Gadjah Mada University