Forms Of Tolerance In Chanting Greetings That Represent All Religions

JAKARTA - It is not new if every public official when starting a speech will say greetings in the form of ' Assalamualaikum , best wishes to all of us, Om Swastyastu, Namo Budaya, greetings of kindness'. This greeting is used to represent the five religions in Indonesia.

However, the use of the greeting later became a polemic after the East Java Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) appealed to Muslims to no longer say greetings representing all religions in remarks at official events. The appeal was contained in letter number 110 / MUI / JTM / 2019 which was signed by the Chairman of the East Java MUI, KH. Abdusshomad Buchori.

"Saying the opening greetings of all religions practiced by Muslims is a new act which constitutes a heresy, which has never existed in the past. At least it contains syubhat (vague halal) values which should be avoided," said Buchori in a written statement on Saturday, 9 November.

At the central level, the steps of the East Java MUI that made this appeal have received the green light. MUI Secretary General Anwar Abbas assessed that the prohibition of greeting all religions is in accordance with the provisions of the Koran and Hadith. In Islam, he said, salam is a prayer that has a theological dimension.

"The existence of a fatwa from the East Java MUI is important because, with this fatwa, the people are not confused so that they can be religiously guided in their attitudes and in building good relations with people of other religions," said Anwar in his written statement, Monday, November 11.

Meanwhile, the greeting of all religions commonly used by officials is Assalamualaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu, Prosperous Greetings to All of Us (Christian greetings), Om Swastyastu (greetings of Hindus), Namo Buddhaya (greetings of Buddhists), and Greetings of Kindness (greetings of Confucians). . The pronunciation of all the greetings is always used by a number of officials at every opportunity, including President Joko Widodo.

On the other hand, the Speaker of the MPR, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), also responded to the East Java MUI's appeal not to use greetings from all religions in starting speeches. Bamsoet is of the view that the greeting is a way to represent all religions and show the tolerance of religious communities in Indonesia.

"I have no problem with greeting greetings, the most important thing is that it does not affect our respective beliefs in our respective religions," said Bamsoet when met at Jalan Wahid Hasyim, Central Jakarta.

He said, this prohibition is not completely wrong. However, it should be noted that the greetings of all religions do not aim to influence the teachings of their respective religions. Because, Bamsoet assessed that the greetings of all religions reflect a high tolerance attitude.

"There should be no restrictions because it is our individual business with God Almighty. Most importantly, it does not interfere with our beliefs as religious beings," explained Bamsoet.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairperson of the SETARA Institute, Bonar Tigor Naipospos, said the East Java MUI fatwa was not part of the legal hierarchy in Indonesia. So, to respect freedom of expression and there are no strict rules to implement it.

"There is no obligation, there is an obligation for the state to follow it. It must be firm, which is our legal hierarchy," said Bonar.

It's just that, he regretted the existence of a fatwa or appeal like the one issued by the East Java MUI. The reason is that the fatwa is considered very exclusive. "Such fatwas are very exclusive and tend to exalt themselves. They do not respect differences," he stressed.

In fact, Indonesia is a pluralistic country and is known to place the five religions parallel without discrimination. So it is natural for public officials to convey the greetings when speaking in public.

"It is natural for national officials, public officials to open a conversation with five greetings from religions in Indonesia. If you don't (agree) then don't use the five religions. Just use the greetings 'good morning, good evening' as suggested by Gus Dur," the lid.