Denmark's biggest newspaper, Morgenavisen Jyllands-Posten--popular as Jyllands-Posten, came into global spotlight following its publication of 12 cartoon images depicting Prophet Muhammad in 2005. The cartoons sparked rage among hard-line Muslims all over the world.
Thomas Hoy Davidsen, a correspondent for the Jyllands-Posten, was among the people who joined Danish foreign minister Villy Sovndal's visit to Indonesia last week. During the visit, Davidsen talked about religious tolerance at Gajah Mada University, Yogyakarta, where he also met with Tempo reporters Shinta Maharani, Olivia Levi, and photographer Suryo Wibowo. Excerpts:
Can you tell us about the controversy of the Muhammad cartoon issue in Denmark?
In Denmark, cartoons are part of freedom of speech and expression in Denmark. The issue became complicated because the publication of the cartoon was considered as an excessive form of the freedom of speech.
That was seven years ago. What is the condition of Muslims in Denmark nowadays?
In Denmark the same condition is similar with what is going on in Indonesia. There are extremists who want to dominate the public debate or question the cartoons.
There is a small number of Muslims living in Denmark, roughly 10 percent. You can check that on the internet. Some of them are immigrants from Pakistan and Somalia. They mostly live at the capital, Copenhagen. So far, there has never been question of tolerance. We have a mutual understanding of one another. Most of my high school friends are Muslims and there has never been a problem.
Has there ever been any type of segregation that stems from the cartoon issue?
In Denmark there are many Muslim societies that have a modern outlook on a variety of issues. There is only a small number of extremists so that the issue is not too much of a problem.
What is the position of these extremists or radicals in Denmark?
These radical groups are in a difficult situation. They have difficulties accessing their economics needs. They live in small towns in Denmark. The conservative groups often force into marriage at a young age, preventing them to pursue a career outside the home.
Has the cartoon issue been resolved yet?
No. The cartoons had become an international issue, and until now there has been no resolution. There are many interpretations about Islam.
Davidsen also said that the cartoon was published not to oppose the general Muslims, but to protests extremists who seek to dominate public debate. However, the media did not realize that the depiction would unwittingly offend Muslims worldwide.
He also said that in Denmark religion is not a big issue. The people do not care what other believe in because it is more important to have an understanding about one another.
