Be careful with religion in Indonesia

People say that to avoid conflict its is sometimes best to avoid discussing religion and politics. Recent events in Indonesia and overseas have highlighted how bent some people can get when their religion of choice is portrayed in a less than desirable way.

First the Danish cartoons of Prophet Mohammed. They have started a fire storm of protest in Muslim countries, with copy cat groups like the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), staging angry protests in Jakarta. Another event to get religious Muslims irate (apart from newly launched Indonesian Playboy) was a photographic depiction of Adam & Eve in a Jakarta museum. The people responsible for the exhibit got the wrath of the FPI, and could do jail time if a court finds that they ‘insulted a religion’.

Its a mad world we live in, you can get 3 years for conspiracy to mass murder, and 5 years for pretending to be Adam & Eve. I think the whole organised religion thing is totally out of whack. Look at some of thre biggest trouble spots in the world, Isreal / Palestine, India / Pakistan, Northern Ireland not to mention the whole Al Queda, JI. problem. When people feel they have a God given track to the truth and everyone must conform, we’ve got trouble.

Here in Indonesia most people are moderate and accepting. Hinduism is all about fertility so, naked bodies are no problem. Its always a good idea to show a degree of respect around places of worship.