MUI Disappointed with the Unilateral Cancellation of the Meeting with the Indian Prime Minister in Jakarta
JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) expressed its regret over the unilateral cancellation of the plan for a meeting between the MUI delegation and the Prime Minister (PM) of India which was scheduled during his state visit to Jakarta in the near future.
The statement was delivered directly by the Chairman of the MUI for Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Sudarnoto Abdul Hakim. According to him, the meeting was originally designed to discuss crucial issues related to tolerance, religious rights, extremism, to peace cooperation.
"I regret the unilateral cancellation of the plan for the MUI delegation meeting with the Indian Prime Minister. The meeting is intended to discuss tolerance, the rights and sovereignty of religious people, religious extremism, cooperation in the field of religious social and peace," said Prof. Sudarnoto in his official statement.
4 Important Points Highlight MUI Regarding Indonesia-India Relations
Although regretting the cancellation, MUI still conveyed a number of strategic points related to the reciprocal visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Indonesia, following the visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia to India some time ago.
The following are the main points that are highlighted by MUI:
Strengthening Strategic Cooperation and Regional PeaceMUI appreciates this reciprocal visit. The meeting between the leaders of India and Indonesia is expected to strengthen strategic cooperation for the national interests of both countries, as well as provide an important contribution to peace, security, and peace in the region.
The Importance of Maintaining Religious Tolerance in DemocracyAs two large democracies, the two leaders are expected to pay serious attention to the principles of religious tolerance. This is considered an important pillar to nourish and strengthen the democratic climate in each country.
Highlights on the Issue of Muslim Minorities in IndiaProf. Sudarnoto underlined the sensitive issue regarding the existence of Muslim minorities in India who until now have reportedly often experienced discrimination, acts of violence, and vandalism by extremist groups.
"The report of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strengthens the practice of intolerance of this extremist group. Extremist groups like this are often referred to as the driving force of Islamophobia, anti-Islam, and the existence of Muslims," he said.
The Demand for the Protection of Religious RightsMUI hopes that the meeting between the Indian Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Indonesia can produce concrete agreements, especially so that the Indian Government provides full protection for the religious rights of Muslims there, without discrimination.
The Importance of the Dialogue of Islamic and Hindu Figures
In the future, MUI considers cooperation between Indonesia and India in the field of religion to remain a very crucial agenda. Dialog that brings together Islamic and Hindu figures is considered to be the main bridge in building religious harmony, humanity, and world peace.
MUI hopes that the cancellation of this meeting will be a serious note and attention for the Prime Minister of India and the President of Indonesia for the good of bilateral relations between the two countries in the future.