By Novriantoni Kahar
An Indonesian diplomat once wrote about the image of Indonesia that is now sold in the world of diplomacy. He believed there are three “superior characteristics” that are “marketed” to the world when it scrutinized anything to do with Indonesia.

First, Indonesia is a democratic country with the largest Muslim population in the world. Indonesia is one of the three biggest, along with India and America. Second, the Muslim majority in Indonesia, which follows moderate Islam, is not controlled by extremists. This moderate-extremist distinction is considered important in differentiating Indonesia from other parts of the Muslim world. Third, besides being democratic and moderate, Indonesia is also a pluralist country in all matters.

These three characteristics of Indonesia have become the basic financial capital of Indonesian diplomacy with the outside world. And apparently it is not only diplomats selling these characteristics. The two largest representative Muslim organizations in Indonesia who are considered moderate have not been left behind in promoting the image of moderate Islam to the outside world. Within this framework, some time ago Muhammadiyah held the World Peace Forum II, while Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has just recently held the International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS).

It is suitable that we be proud with the image of Indonesian Islam which has become a strategic benefit in diplomacy with the outside world. What is neglected by many though, not excluding organizations like Muhammadiyah and NU, is that first, the image is not always in accordance with fact and reality. Second, the image does not occur all by itself. It is a product of the long struggle of Islam in Indonesia. Third, and in line with the two points above, the image is definitely subject to change from time to time, especially if we are not wary and the image does not resemble the reality.

Moderate Characteristics
On the first point, we can now see just how fragile and vulnerable the image of Indonesia as a Muslim majority country which is democratic, moderate and pluralist is. The reformation has not only made Indonesia one of the world’s democratic countries, but has also influenced Islamic movements and characteristics. Since the reformation began, the old configuration of Indonesian Islam, which we used to consider to be dominated by the twin moderate organizations of Indonesian Islam (Muhammadiyah and NU), has now began to shift.

Several new Islamic movements have emerged and appear to be stronger than Muhammadiyah and NU. And it is not rare that, at the levels of discourse and action, they appear sharper and more at the forefront than Muhammadiyah or NU. While busy selling the image of Islamic moderation, and even promoting Indonesia as a model of tolerance to the world, Muhammadiyah and NU frequently neglect to play an active role in maintaining and strengthening their networks and institutions that support moderate Islam. Further, in several cases, the discourses and actions developed by these two organizations are just idem ditto or only a reaction to the drum beat of groups who definitely are not moderate.

If this continues, and this is the second point, it is not impossible that within several years there will be a shift in image. We know that the moderation of Islam has been shaped by Indonesian Islam’s fairly long history of struggle. Muhammadiyah and NU are two Islamic organizations already involved in struggling for moderate forms of Islam, both through educational institutes that they manage and through the social-political-religious progress they engineer. These two organizations are thus two civil society institutions that are very important in the moderating process of the country.

And in all the corners of the Muslim world we almost can not find socio-religious organizations as big, moderate, old and society-based as Muhammadiyah and NU. As a result, the strength of these two valuable assets in protecting the image of a moderate Indonesian Islam cannot be ignored. However, if these organizations do not continue their educational and social functions as they should, it is not impossible that this role will be taken over by those who have little care for moderate Islam in Indonesia.

Now look at just how absurd our claim of moderate Islam is. In the Ahmadiyah case, not only could the systematic intimidation by new Islamic groups not be stemmed, but in several ways it is as if it has been allowed to occur and has been given moral and theological support from various internal elements within Muhammadiyah and NU.

Only a few important figures such as Gus Dur and Syafii Ma’arif have fought against the increasingly spreading forms of intolerance. Consequently, after the moderate Joint Decree on Ahmadiyah was issued, forces have continued to demand a Presidential Decree banning Ahmadiyah.

Taking Steps
Unfortunately, no one has shouted “enough!” to the expression of religious intolerance, against both Ahmadiyah, and others. Not the government, nor mass social organizations such as Muhammadiyah and NU.

I believe the moment has now arrived to take strategic steps in stopping the progress of Islamic extremism in Indonesia. There is already much proof that in getting to the bottom of religious issues, wisdom has been replaced by chaos. Gang bashings have become the favoured response to religious issues and cheap gossip.

It is as if social networks of debate and deliberation are no longer useful. Cries that stigmatize certain groups (deviant groups or sects, Christianization, or other such labels) are enough to mobilize the masses. Destroy first, organize later. This is exactly like the ancient tactics of English soccer, kick and run.

If this inelegant and irresponsible tactic continues to be implemented and is not processed legally, as is frequently the case, we will gradually see violence become a project and a career of sorts. It will surely destroy social harmony, which is in mutual accord with a democratic, moderate and pluralist Indonesia.

I believe we all have an interest in taking care of, preserving and realizing an Indonesian image which is democratic, moderate, pluralist and in line with reality. If not, it will not only be others who are deceived because they buy a false image, but we will also feel the effects.

*The author is a contributor to RePro, and Lecturer at Paramadina University, Jakarta

(Suara Pembaruan, Friday, August 8, 2008)