Ministry to hold another meeting on Ahmadiyah

NATIONAL Tue, 03/29/2011 11:02 PM

Ministry to hold another meeting on Ahmadiyah

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Muslim organizations, law experts, human rights watchdogs and Ahmadiyah figures will hold a dialogue on the Ahmadiyah on Tuesday and Wednesday, the religious affairs minister said Monday.

Minister Suryadharma Ali said the two-day dialogue hosted by his office would give equal chance to Muslim organizations, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Ahmadiyah figures, experts and human rights activists, to present their opinions on the Islamic sect.

Last week, the ministry also held a meeting on the Ahmadiyah on the heels of a fatal clash and the issuance of bylaws banning the Ahmadiyah. Jamaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI) refused to attend the meeting, saying the meeting was biased judging from the list of invitees.

JAI’s legal consultant, Indonesia Legal Aid Institution Foundation (YLBHI), told The Jakarta Post that JAI would once again not attend Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s meeting. — JP

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URL: www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/29/ministry...

Ministry invites Ahmadis to attend another dialog

NATIONAL Mon, 03/28/2011 6:42 PM

Ministry invites Ahmadis to attend another dialog

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali is issuing another invitation to Ahmadiyah members to attend a discussion concerning their religious beliefs.

The Ahmadis refused to attend a dialog last week with mainstream Muslim leaders fearing it would be biased.

“We are inviting Ahmadiyah and Ahmadiyah Movement Indonesia in order to give them a chance to explain Ahmadiyah teachings,” Suryadharma said.

Aside from Ahmadiyah members, the government also invited the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), Islamic communities, legal experts and human rights activists.

“All parties will get the chance to explain their views. The discussion is not intended to corner Ahmadis; our target is to be able to understand each other,” he said.

Suryadharma has yet to receive confirmation that the Ahmadis will attend. (swd)

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URL: www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/03/28/ministry...