|
Officers mobilised to guard group's properties as it keeps low profile POLICE are stepping up security across Indonesia following a controversial government decree on the Ahmadiyah group, which is keeping a low profile.
Provincial police have mobilised men to protect the religious group's properties in the West Java capital of Bandung, amid protests by Muslim clerics and Islamic groups against the government's decision. This week, the government ordered the Ahmadiyah to stop spreading its teachings after Indonesia's top religious body declared that they deviated from the principles of Islam. On Tuesday, Vice-President Jusuf Kalla clarified the ministerial decree, saying that Ahmadiyah followers could continue to worship in their homes and mosques, but must not preach or try to convert others. He stressed that the government had no plans to ban the group - which Islamic hardline groups are demanding. Ahmadiyah followers believe that the group's founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, is Islam's last prophet, and reject one of the core tenets in Islam stating that Prophet Muhammad is the final prophet. The decree has drawn flak from both sides. Extremist and some mainstream Muslim groups say it is not enough, while human rights groups and some moderate Muslims criticise it for being unconstitutional. While the group has said it will appeal against the order, it is keeping a low profile. 'The Ahmadiyah authorities have closed their places of worship and performed their prayers at home. 'They promised not to stir the situation, although they are not happy with the decision,' said West Java police chief Susno Duadji. He promised protection for the tens of thousands of Ahmadiyah members in Bogor, Sukabumi, Tasikmalaya, Kuningan, Indramayu, Majalengka and Bandung. Police are focusing their security on two major Ahmadiyah settlements in Manis Lor village in the Cirebon regency and Sadasari village in Majalengka. Some 120 men have been stationed at Manis Lor, the target of frequent attacks by hardline groups. The village is one of Ahmadiyah's major strongholds: Some 3,000 of the 4,000 villagers are Ahmadis. In Yogyakarta, Governor Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X met heads of the provincial prosecutor's office, police and military command to discuss how to prevent violence in the wake of the Ahmadiyah decree. He urged all to observe the decree, saying: 'Negative effects and anarchy can be avoided if everyone sticks to the law.' Meanwhile, Ahmadiyah members, have continued their normal activities. 'There is no reason for us to stop our activities because we are only carrying out our religious duties, such as performing prayers and reciting the Quran,' said Mr Saleh Ahmadi, the group's head cleric in South Sulawesi. JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
 |
