Religious Affairs Minister Regrets Ahmadiyah Mosque Vandalism

TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Religious Affairs Minister Lukman Hakim Saifuddin has expressed his regret over the vandalism on Ahmadiyah Mosque in Purworejo Village, Ringin Arum Sub-District, Kendal District, Central Java. Lukman said the incident was sparked by accusation that the prayer house has no permit. According to the United Development Party (PPP) politician, such incident should be settled through legal action.

“I call on religious people not to take actions of vigilante,” said Minister Lukman yesterday after attending an event held at Muhammadiyah University Yogyakarta.

According to Lukman, those who believe that the prayer house has permit issue should take legal action. “Dispute among religious people can only be resolved in a civilized manner through legal action.”

Lukman warned that actions of vigilante, especially with violance, do not reflect civilized people. “And it’s not taught by religion,” he noted.

At present, Religious Affairs Ministry is gathering information on the main causes of vandalism on Ahmadiyah mosque in Kendal. Lukman admitted that he had two contrasting accounts on the issue that lead to the incident.

The first account, according to him, says the mosque should never have been disputed because it has obtained building permit (IMB) in 2004. The other account says that the mosque permit is invalid because Public Works Department of Kendal District has suspended it. “We are investigating it. I have ordered Kendal Religious Affairs Department to gather [more] information,” Lukman said.

ADDI MAWAHIBUN IDHOM