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Haedar Nashir: Eradicating Terrorism Must not Lead to Terror

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19 April 2016 16:20 WIB

Haedar Nashir Leads Muhammadiyah

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The attention given to the police, in particular Counterterrorism Detachment 88 (Densus 88), over for the questionable death of Siyono, cannot be disassociated from the role of the Muhammadiyah. This religious organization founded by K.H. Ahmad Dahlan has been the driving force advocating justice for Siyono's family. But this has led to charges that Muhammadiyah is pro-terrorism.

Haedar Nashir, 58, chairman of Muhammadiyah's executive board, stated that support for Siyono's family was purely in the interest of humanity. "In addition to looking after humanitarian values, we also have an interest in seeing that the law is enforced," said Haedar.

Siyono, 33, was arrested without a warrant while he was engaged in reciting religious devotions on March 8 in his neighborhood of Dukuh Brengkungan in Klaten, Central Java. Four days later, the police returned to deliver lifeless body of Siyono, a father of five.

The police claimed his death was caused by hemorrhaging in the cranium caused by a one-on-one fight with a member of Counterterrorism Detachment 88 at the National Police headquarters who was guarding him. Refusing to accept this explanation, Siyono's wife Suratmi, also known as Mufida, reported this to, and asked for the help of, Muhammadiyah, which in turn involved the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM).

Suspecting something was not right, Komnas HAM decided to have Siyono's body autopsied. Nine medical general practitioners from Muhammadiyah and a forensic doctor from the Central Java Police were involved in the autopsy conducted on April 3. The result differed from the police's earlier version. The cause of death was five broken ribs on the left side of the body, which pierced the heart nerves and led to massive bleeding. There were no wounds that indicated Siyono was fighting or defending himself.

Last Thursday, at the office of the Muhammadiyah executive board in Central Jakarta, Haedar met with Tempo reporters Tito Sianipar, Sunudyantoro and Dwi Wiyana for an exclusive interview. He explained Muhammadiyah's position in the Siyono case and spoke about other issues, such as the spread of intolerant groups and the deradicalization program. Excerpts:

How did Muhammadiyah become involved with the Siyono case?

First, it's important to understand Muhammadiyah's perspective on terrorism because due to this incident, misperceptions have emerged and it has been said that whoever defends Siyono supports terrorism. This oversimplification can happen when Muhammadiyah's views on terrorism are misunderstood.

Muhammadiyah has long regarded terrorism and violence committed in the name of religion as a form of fasad fil ardh, or something that damages life. Taking a single life equals taking 1,000 lives. On the other hand, saving a single life is like saving the life of the entire community. Islamic theology, which honors the value of a life, came from a deep understanding that human beings are living beings ennobled by God. In fact, even killing an animal for food may not done in a cruel manner. It must be done quickly with a sharp knife. This means that there are ethics in Islam.

In this regard, terrorism and counterterrorism may not take human life. We are against terrorism because it creates fear and takes human life. However, counterterror action should not arbitrarily take lives. Coercive action must remain within legal limits, which respect the presumption of innocence and heed humanitarian values. Getting rid of terrorists should not lead to new cases of terrorism.

Muhammadiyah is a public organization whose doors are open to all. Some people come (to us) because of marital issues or even when they seek employment. There was once someone from the Gafatar sect who felt he had been victimized. When Siyono's wife came to us, we welcomed her here.

Aside from that, the Siyono case was already in the public sphere. If it was hidden, people might ask questions. People fear, for instance, it might turn out to be a false arrest. That is the broader impact. If it was covered up, there would be questions for the police, the government, civil society and even for the media.

What does it mean for us be in this republic in the context of nationality and humanity?

Muhammadiyah believes this case needs to be resolved. Muhammadiyah is not holding anything back. We met the National Police chief, and each time we find something (new), we publicize it in the media so that the issue may become clearer. The law must be upheld like it was in the cases of Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Mukhlas, who were said to be the main perpetrators and were legally dealt in a transparent manner. There was legal certainty. Although they were sentenced to death, no one challenged it because a definite legal process had been carried out.

Is Siyono's case being questioned because he's a member of the Muhammadiyah?

No. That is the perception that emerged: Muhammadiyah stood up for Siyono because he was part of the Muhammadiyah family. We have checked locally, and Siyono was not a Muhammadiyah member. Neither is his wife.

Did you ask his wife why she came to Muhammadiyah for help?

We are used to many people coming with their problems; we no longer ask why.

What was conveyed at the meeting with National Police Chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti?

The first time we came, we cited our reasons for carrying out our advocacy. So, I explained that our principle was the same as a number of parties, the same as the government and the police. First, we are opposed to terrorism. We also agree with the counterterrorism movement. In this context, to be comprehensive and remain within legal limits, we want any action to heed humanitarian values. That is all we conveyed.

Badrodin Haiti himself is a Muhammadiyah follower. Was there some kind of commonality in the perception of this case?

I came away thinking that the police chief was the same as our other government officials who have been open. We felt there was a vibe from a fellow Muhammadiyah follower, and that was a very good thing. We did not come because he is from Muhammadiyah, but on account of his position and authority in eradicating terrorism. We said that Muhammadiyah had no vested interest in the matter.

According some reports, the body of Siyono did not decompose and in fact gave off a sweet smell. Is that true?

Firstly, that's the problem with social media. Secondly, there's always the commodification of myth. And that sells best in the media. As rational Muslims who have a pure monotheistic belief system, we do not believe in such things. In fact, you should ask those who said that. There was nothing like that in the forensic team report. (*)

Read the full interview in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine



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