Appreciate President Jokowi’s assertiveness in condemning religious harassment in France
By: Aditya Akbar )*
President Jokowi strongly criticized the actions of the French President who harass Muslims. The public also appreciated the Indonesian Government’s quick response which was sensitive to public unrest.
In France there is a case where a President who should be respected, even sets a bad example for his people. He insulted Muslims, even threatened to close all mosques in his country. Muslims living in France are nervous and afraid that they will not survive, because there is an issue of SARA that has stuck to the public.
President Jokowi firmly rebuked Mr Macron’s actions. The statement of the French President cannot be based on freedom of opinion, because it violates the sacredness of religion. Also offended the hearts of millions of Muslims worldwide. Even though France adheres to free ideology, it cannot be arbitrary, especially when it comes to religious issues.
In that sense, if Mr Macron is openly attacking Muslims, then he could be in trouble. Shouldn’t he be a good example as a leader? What happen is the contrary. With this case, France’s relations with other countries were disrupted. Some even want to cut off bilateral relations with that country.
According to President Jokowi, Mr Macron broke the unity of the world’s religious communities. In fact, all citizens in Indonesia, France and other countries should unite. Because we are currently in a corona pandemic, we need unity so that we can handle the disease together. Instead of looking for enmity with people of other religions.
Mr Macron got the stone when he was exposed to French products and companies. As a result, the company’s share price dropped dramatically. All this is due to his own tongue. he also forgot that there are manners in the association between nations and between religious communities.
However, as Muslims we should not be provoked by incitement when this case occurs. Do not become a person with short axes and irritability, then act as they please. There are even rumors of sweeping against French citizens and plans for demonstrations in front of the French Embassy in Jakarta.
The plan is for demonstrations to denounce President Macron’s actions on November 2 in Jakarta and November 4 in Bandung. The demonstration, known as the 211 and 411 actions, was initiated by FPI Chairman Rizieq Shihab. In fact, he even provoked the people by saying that insulting the Prophet could not be forgiven.
Indeed, we protested when someone insulted the Prophet. But don’t rush to demo, because it’s still a pandemic. I’m afraid there is a new corona cluster. When demonstrating, they were tired, hot, finally exposed to the Covid-19 virus. Then pass it on to family members and friends who have had contact. So pathetic.
Hold on to your emotions first and don’t do anything that endangers yourself by going to the demonstration arena. We don’t know which one is healthy and which friend turns out to be OTG. Because people who are exposed to corona at an early stage do not show clear physical characteristics.
If the authorities stop the demonstration, don’t blame those who are carrying out their duties. The police are a friend of the people and the ban on demonstrations is actually a sign of affection, because they don’t want people to be affected by the corona. Because they were desperate to demonstrate during the pandemic.
President Jokowi has indeed condemned the President of France, and we deserve our appreciation. However, do not cross the line and even break the law, by doing sweeping your own way. Do not also be desperate to demonstrate, because it can cause a new corona cluster.
)* The author is a Cikini Press Circle Contributor and Student