TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President of the Evangelical Church of Indonesia (GIDI) Rev Dorman Wandikmbo apologized to all Moslems in Indonesia on Saturday, July 18, 2015, especially those in Tolikara, Papua, who were affected by an incident.
He also said that there was a misunderstanding in perceiving the incident.
"We would like to extend our apology to all Moslems in Indonesia, especially in Tolikara Regency for the burning of kiosks there that also caused a mushalla (small mosque) caught on fire,” Dorman said
He also said the burning of the mosque was not a deliberate action.
"The action as a spontaneous action from Tolikara residents after security officers in Tolikara who brutally shot at the residents there,” he said.
In the meantime, former Chairman of the Ansor Youth Movement of the Nahdhatul Ulama, Khatibul Umam Wiranu said that both the Ansor member and the civilian security guards (Banser) have been too busy safeguarding churches during religious service there.
Because of that, he said, they have forgot their main duties: safeguarding mosques and mushallas (small praying rooms).
"I don’t mind at all if the Banser safeguards places of worship of other faiths but they must not forget to safeguard mosques and mushallas,” he said in a press release on Sunday (19/7).
Wiranu also said that the Tolikara incident Papua has served as an introspection for both the Ansor Youth Movement and the Banser so that they do not forget the main goal of their establishment," he added.
DINI PRAMITA | CUNDING LEVI | DEWI SUCI RAHAYU