Blindand DeafFaith
It is disconcerting when people of two different disciplines come to the same conclusion on the problem of intolerance and violent extremism. They predict that the problem will become worse in the coming year, if no concrete steps are taken by law enforcers and if the government fails to take a firm stance against the acts and assertions of groups that clearly go against the Constitution. But why are people who claim to value diversity and equal rights not reacting? Why the silence by the majority? Two seasoned observers share their views on a complex issue.
December 28, 2011
IntoleranceA Worrying Development
Azyumardi Azra
Director, Gradute School, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University
Member, Council on Faith, World Economic Forum
Freedom and democracy don't necessarily bring about a positive and healthy religious life, at least in the case of Indonesia. With the marked decline of stateor more appropriately governmentauthority vis-a-vis society in the post-Suharto era, certain groups of people in the name of relig
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