23 July 2009

Religious leaders are gathered today (23 July 2009) at the Media Crisis Center and they all declare Indonesia as a peaceful place and condemn the suicide bomb attack at the JW Marriot and Ritz Carlton hotels.

Previously, Governor of Jakarta Special Capital Region (DKI Jakarta) Fauzi Bowo said ”Jakarta belongs to the people of different religions and races. I am the Governor of Jakarta, the governor of everyone who lives in Jakarta, no exception.” When the bomb exploded on Friday (17 July 2009), the governor reiterated that there is no religion legitimizes act of terror.

Cleric and Head of Islamic Center Indonesia (ICI) Abdurrahhman Al-Habsy strongly condemns the suicide bomber. “My heart is broken, and I condemn those who conducted such an act on behalf of Islam. We are Indonesians; we are the owner of Indonesia.”

Meanwhile Jakarta Dzikir Council head KH Syaifuddin Amsir said, ”I long for tranquility and I condemn this monstrous and horrible act conducted in the name of Islam. Islam does not teach this kind of act.”

Secretary of Indonesian Churches Association (PGI) Reverend Richard Daulay, also condemned bomb blasts last Friday (17 July 2009). He said ”Our nation cries once again. We deplored this merciless and inhuman conduct which carried in the name of religion, despite the fact that no religion teaches this act.” Richard Daulay added,” I convey my deepest condolence to the victims, to my Dutch, Australian, and New Zealander friends. My deepest sympathy and I apologize for what happened.”

Buddhist monk Eka Wimsati Wirya who attended the media conference also condemned the bombing and said there is no religion teaches its followers to kill. “Indonesian Buddhists condemn the act of taking someone’s life,” he asserted. Eka said Indonesian Buddhist held a mass prayer for the nation that includes 500 Buddhist on Sunday (19 July 2009).

Cathedral Secretary who represents Bishop Council of Indonesia (KWI) Romo Padma also condemned the act of terror.

Religious leaders who attended press conference at Jakarta Media Center are:

1. Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) head KH Mundzir Tamam

2. Islamic Center Indonesia (ICI) head Habib Abdurrahhman Al-Habsy

3. Al Affaf Koran recital group leader Habib Ali Bin Abdurrahman Assegaf

4. Rasullulah SAW Council head Habib Mundzir Al Musawa

5. Jakarta Dzikir Council head KH Syaifuddin Amsir

6. Member of Advisory Board of Betawi Ulema Forum (Fuhub) KH Maulana Kamah Yusuf

7. Al Itqon Islamic Boarding School leader KH Mahfudz Asirun

8. Secretary General of Indonesian Churches Association (PGI) Reverend Richard Daulay

9. Representative of Indonesia Federation of Buddhist Organizations (Walubi) Biksu Eka Wimsati Wirya

10. Representative of Walubi Sapta Wirya

11. Cathedral Secretary representing Bishop Council of Indonesia (KWI) Romo Padma