Churches Attack in Malaysia Reaps Protests from Indonesia

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesian religious councils express their deep concern regarding the church vandalisms occuring in Malaysia after the Malaysian High Court ruling to allow the word "Allah" for a Catholic newspaper on December 31, 2009.

The protest was expressed by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) commission head Slamet Effendy Yusuf in a press conference for the plea from the Indonesian Religious Councils, at the MUI office, Proklamasi street, Central Jakarta, Monday.

"The resolution must come from formal legal corridors, through an appeal," Slamet protested against the anarchy. The Indonesian Religious Councils also advise Muslims and Christians in Malaysia to restrain from anarchy.

The advice is also directed at the Indonesian people because the occurences in Malaysia could reverberate here. Last but not least they suggested having a theological dialog between the spiritual leaders to come to a common understanding. (C12-09/C17-09)