In coordination with the Institute for Social and Islamic Studies (LK3) of Banjarmasin, the Wahid Institute (WI) held a workshop titled ‘Monitoring and Advocating Pluralism’ in Hotel Pesona, Banjarmasin, Monday – Wednesday (4-6/8/2008).

2008 is a year in which the political process is incredibly intensive in facing the most crucial moment of Indonesia’s journey to democracy, namely the parliamentary and presidential elections, both of which are to be held in 2009.

As a public issue there is a tendency to regard the application of Syariah Islam as increasingly unpopular.

The spread of conflict and disputes over houses of worship in Indonesia is often caused by unwillingness of religious followers to learn about other religions.

“There is an indication that MUI is like a horse and is being ridden by radical groups as a way of harassing so-considered deviational groups,” said Dr. Rumadi, MA.

Seven church officials from the Uniting Church of Australia visited the WAHID Institute.