Retailers Ignore Threat Against Displaying Christmas Attributes
19 December 2014 22:20 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Director of the Indonesian Retail Corporate Association (Aprindo) Tutum Rahanta, said that the Jamaah Ansharus Syariah's (JAS) threat to ban the sales of Christmas attributes is against the spirit of Unity in Diversity (Bhineka Tunggal Ika). "Does wearing Christmas costumes and attributes mean converting religion? Don't be naïve," said Tutum.
Previously, JAS forbid Moslems in Indonesia to join Christmas celebration, in reference to the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) fatwa – dated back in 1981. JAS also forbid Moslem employees to wear Christmas accessory, as often seen in supermarket and malls.
On the other hand, Tutum said that supermarket management often asked employees to wear Christmas outfit for the sake of business strategy – similar to that of Eid celebration. "It is to respect those celebrating [Christmas]," he said. Moreover, Tutum claimed that Aprindo never suggested its members to celebrate Christmas with their customers, instead it is their own initiative.
ROBBY IRFANY