sexta-feira, 30 de julho de 2010

Islamic groups told not to conduct raids on entertainment centers

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadarma Ali has asked Islamic groups in Indonesia not to conduct raids on entertainment centers ahead of the Islamic fasting month (which will start next month).

He made the request at the University of Sunan Gunung Djati in Bandung, West Java, on Friday, as certain Islamic organizations once tended to resort to violence in dealing with differences.

They must never resort to brutality when dealing with the differences, he said, adding that only the police had the right to conduct the raids.

"We hope the fasting month will proceed peacefully. In order to enable Muslims  to carry out their religious duty properly non-Muslims are expected to show tolerance and respect,” he said.

“In case there is any religious harassment by certain groups let the law enforcers deal with it," he said. "Just report the case if they find it disturbs their religious activity".

Next week, he said, his office would announce the first day of fasting, based on the agreement between ulemas and the government on the result of calculations and sighting of the moon.


The Jakarta Post