The controversy originated from Kempek Pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Cirebon, West Java. Last week, about 1,200 people attended the Alim Ulama National Convention of the Nahdlatul Ulama (Indonesia's largest Islamic organizationEd.). After it was officially closed by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the chairman announced some recommendations that shocked the public.

One was the boycott of taxes. The NU executive board exhorted its me