ASIA/INDONESIA - The Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies: "Democracy is solid, the future is civil coexistence"

Tuesday, 28 May 2019 human rights   politics   peace   islam   political islam  

Rome (Agenzia Fides) - "We are not worried about post-election violence. Democracy in Indonesia is solid and will withstand the shock of those who want to question it with street riots. The majority of the Indonesian population accepts and welcomes the result of the polls, respects the Pancasila (the five principles at the basis of the Constitution, ed) and the rule of law": says to Agenzia Fides Fr. Markus Nur Widipranoto, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Indonesia, commenting on the social and political situation in the archipelago where, after the recent presidential election, candidate Prabowo Subianto rejected the results of the vote, confirmed by the Electoral Commission, and accused President-elect Joko Widodo of fraud, presenting an appeal to the Supreme Court. In the aftermath of this stance, on the streets of the capital Jakarta violence unleashed against the supporters of Subianto, who also has Islamist groups contrary to the election of Widodo.
Fr. Markus Nur Widipranoto explains to Fides why he has faith in a just and peaceful future for the nation: "It is clear that the protest is of a small minority: the majority of the population respects the verdict of the polls, and the favorable outcome for Widodo. Furthermore, the army and the police are firmly on the government's side and have controlled the unrest throughout the country: this gives stability to the nation. It should be noted that the two largest organizations of Indonesian Islam, "Muhammadiyah" and "Nahdatul Ulama", promoters of a tolerant and peaceful Islam, have condemned violence and support democracy. Finally, even Widodo chose Ma'ruf Amin, Muslim leader and president of the Ulema Council of Indonesia as vice president, denying those who would like to portray him as anti-Islamic. Given these elements, we can say that the nation will overcome these tensions and political life will proceed along the lines of civil coexistence, under the leadership of President Widodo". (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 28/5/2019)


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