Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) – It is the most popular reading among young Indonesians, Muslims and other religions: on the occasion of the anniversary of September 11, a new comic hero, "Captain Jihad" depopulates in Indonesia. As reported to Fides by the local Church sources, we are talking about the adventures that are inspired by the true story of a former terrorist, Nasir Abas, 42 years old, known to be a former militant of the "Jemaah Islamiyah" network - linked to Al Qaeda - who helped to train leaders of the Bali attack in October 2002, and caused 202 civilian victims. In the comic, the Captain talks about his "conversion", from a terrorist character to becoming an invincible ally in the fight against terrorism, and explains that "killing civilians is a terrible mistake".
"I found the true meaning of Jihad" says the hero, "which is not that of armed fighting" but that of a "serious and sincere effort to remove from yourself evil, laziness and selfishness, injustice and oppression from society". Justice is not achieved through violence but through everyone’s internal and personal effort. " jihad is not a holy war but it is an intimate and personal effort of the believer to be able to conform their conduct to the will of God".
"It is a very important setting for the education of young generations", comments the Indonesian Fr. Markus Solo, SVD to Fides, an official of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In the village there are over 43 million young people aged between 15 and 24, and another 35 million are between 25 and 34. "Indonesia is a very young country and the cultural and educational work with younger generations, to spread a culture of dialogue, pluralism and harmony, is crucial for the future of the country. The Church in Indonesia is focusing a lot on Catholic youth associations and relations with Muslim youth associations. In this context we are also looking for contacts and dialogue with Muslim radical formations, through an inclusive approach, with the goal of building a culture of peaceful coexistence", (PA) (Agenzia Fides 10/09/2011)
