Are there any Indonesian prophets?

Al Makin , MONTREAL | Fri, 02/13/2009 10:16 AM | Opinion and Editorial The Jakarta Post

Agus Imam Solichin – like Lia Aminuddin (the founder of the Salamullah Eden community), Ahmad Moshaddeq (the founder of the “deviant sect” al-Qiyadah al-Islamiyah) and many other Indonesian “false prophets” – claimed divinity and founded a weird religious cult.

Solichin declared himself the reincarnation of Sukarno, a prophet and finally God. To magnify his claims, Solichin took the following grandeur titles Satria Piningit Weteng Buwana (the knight hidden in the belly of the earth) and Agus Nata Sukarno Putra (Agus, the son of Sukarno in charge). What bold and eccentric claims!

In the beginning, Solichin behaved like an ordinary Islamic sect leader. He advocated that his followers perform Islamic rites, encouraging them to prayer five times every day and to fast during the month of Ramadan, among other things. However, it seems that he could not control his wild mind and confidence. He demanded his followers conduct sexual intercourse in front of him, as reported by some media.

Déja vu as it may sound; Agus Solichin was faced with no different end from those of Aminuddin and Moshaddeq. His claim upset people, particularly religious leaders. Solichin then sought police custody, for the sake of his own safety. The MUI (Indonesian Ulema Council) and Bakor Pakem (the Coordinating Board for Monitoring Mystical Beliefs in Society) denounced Solichin’s cult. In court, Solichin is likely to face two separate charges: Sexual harassment and blasphemy.

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