Haedar Nashir:No one should be provoked into creating suspicions

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Haedar Nashir suddenly became extra busy following the November 4 demonstrations. As chairman of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board, he was visited by quite a few dignitaries, including President Joko Widodo and National Police Chief, Gen. Tito Karnavian.

Their discussions covered a range of issues, from economic disparity to the internal security situation. Invariably, they spoke about the blasphemy case against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok), who was indicted by the Police Crime Investigation Unit last week. "It's time to stop speculating and each party should take the necessary legal action," said 58-year old Haedar.

He said people should no longer engage in polemics over religious blasphemy. Everyone, he urged, should aim at establishing a peaceful environment. "No one should be provoked into creating suspicions and tension," said Haedar.

Last week, he sat with Tempo reporters Iqbal Muhtarom and Pribadi Wicaksono in his office at Aisyiyah University in Yogyakarta for an hour-long, frank interview. Haedar was not reticent about clarifying differences of opinion within the Muhammadiyah organization, such as between the board he leads and its former chairman, Ahmad Syafii Maarif, particularly over the Ahok blasphemy case.

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The day before Ahok was indicted, Police Chief Gen. Tito Karnavian came to see you. What did you two discuss?

The police chief wanted to exchange views on legal perspectives according to Muhammadiyah. I cautioned that the police against publicly airing its viewpoint, because in this case, the police is part of the dispute. Essentially, I wanted to stress that the police must remain out of the legal proceedings despite different views externally, which could be used as a point of reference, when law enforcers must make their conclusions.

Did you offer your own viewpoint on the case? 

Muhammadiyah was not asked for its views. It would be quite amusing if law enforcers did that. I was mandated by the Muhammadiyah leaders to communicate with all parties, so I welcomed the police chief's visit. As it happened, he felt it necessary to clarify his statements over the Al-Maidah verse 51. It was in that context that we met.

The previous week, President Joko Widodo also paid you a visit in Jakarta. What was discussed? 

The President wanted to emphasize that the law was the only way to resolve the blasphemy case, so that there was no need for intervention. He also stressed that he will not protect Ahok, that the case will be resolved according to the law without the intervention of those in power.

Were other topics discussed besides the Ahok case?

As the majority population, Moslems face a dilemma. Moving forward, we must find a policy which can channel their aspirations as citizens of a nation. We also spoke about the economic disparity facing the country. If there are still people who are poor, it's like being in a dry grassy and flammable place. It doesn't take much to ignite an explosion of sentiments.

After his visits to other Islamic organizations, the President also called on the military. 

The steps taken by the President have been constructive. We cannot predict what will happen. Even when the situation is said to be 95 percent stable, there could still be an incident. Then who is to guarantee there won't be a follow-up protest? If that really happens, will it be as peaceful as the previous one? So, we support the President's efforts at political communication.

The President said a political actor was behind the violence at the November 4 demonstrations. What do you think? 

In politics, such 'hitch-hiking' is normal. It just depends who is doing it to whom. I believe the President has enough integrity to place the situation accordingly. According to Muhammadiyah, this case does not need to be spread any wider. There could be such a person (behind the violence). But let us not allow ourselves and the President to be trapped in this issue.

Do you approve of the police arresting HMI members suspected of provoking the incident? 

First, the military and the government may have their information on who the actors are, their political movements and so forth. But all that must be balanced and should not influence the solution of problems, as well as how this state is run. Secondly, people should be mature on issues of nationhood. When there is a problem, let us resolve them democratically and constitutionally. Let us not think about taking unconstitutional steps. (*)

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