All prophets whose paths I'm seeking.....Para nabi yang tapaknya ku titi...

Beware of gruesome end of a dictator, corruptor

2011-10-26T09:58:00.001+02:00

Al Makin, Singapore Tue, 10/25/2011 5:00 AM , The Jakarta Post, OpinionA A ALibya’s paramount leader Muammar Qaddafi has paid the ultimate price for his long iron fist of unbearable dictatorship. His death on Thursday was truly ugly — a lesson worthy of reflection for the remaining dictators who have wantonly spilled the blood of their peoples.I advise you not to watch the Al Jazeera’s video

Honorary degree neglects people’s suffering

2011-09-13T03:51:00.000+02:00

Honorary degree neglects people’s suffering Al Makin, Jakarta | Sat, 09/10/2011 8:00 AM, opinion The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Theoretically not only should a university be a place of study and research, it should also be a place where knowledge and theory are examined as to whether they match what is really happening in society.On one hand, a university should

Corruption: From taboo to jokes

2011-09-06T05:54:00.000+02:00

Corruption: From taboo to jokes Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Sun, 09/04/2011 3:41 PM, opinion The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Even without a letter questioning President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s commitment to the fight against corruption (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 20, 2011), the public, and also perhaps the government, have long been aware of the grave danger of

Indonesian patriotism: Recalling the middle path

2011-08-15T11:01:00.000+02:00

Indonesian patriotism: Recalling the middle path Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 08/15/2011 8:00 AM, Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | From the heyday of the nationalist movement in the early 20th century to the reformation era, Indonesian patriotism has been built on the spirit of compromise by seeking the middle way among various stances. Our leaders were

The ruling party now at the crossroad

2011-08-08T06:50:00.000+02:00

The ruling party now at the crossroad Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Sun, 07/24/2011 8:00 AM, opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The Democratic Party, under the shadow of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s charisma, which has charmed Indonesians for two terms, is now at a crossroads.The current scandal with its former treasurer Muhammad Nazaruddin acting as a

Preachers and conservatism in RI

2011-08-08T06:48:00.000+02:00

Preachers and conservatism in RI Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 07/15/2011 10:36 PM, Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The career of the late Zainuddin MZ, known as a preacher to a million followers, tells us about another side of Indonesian Muslims’ religiosity.Indonesians are fond of religious preachers. Religion, and religious piety, has dominated the public

The evolution of human and animal rights

2011-07-04T09:31:00.000+02:00

The evolution of human and animal rights Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Wed, 06/22/2011 7:00 AM, The Jakarta Post, opinion A | A | A | Ethics and norms, by which individuals have lived with others in society and by which culture and civilization have progressed, have changed over time.Driyarkara, an Indonesian religious leader and philosopher whose contribution to the

Comparing SBY to Soeharto

2011-06-10T07:01:00.000+02:00

Comparing SBY to Soeharto Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 06/10/2011 10:00, Opinion The Jakarta Post A | A | A | A recent survey released by Indo Barometer said that Indonesians preferred Soeharto’s “prosperous” and “stable” authoritarian rule to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s more “democratic” government.Sukarno’s presidency, which was marked by political turmoil

Identifying an Indonesian ‘Osama’

2011-05-28T05:40:00.000+02:00

Identifying an Indonesian ‘Osama’ Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 05/27/2011 8:00 AM, op ed column, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Although Osama bin Laden was killed, radicalism on behalf of Islam – as some of the groomed “heirs” to the throne of al-Qaeda have vowed to avenge the blood of the mastermind and many pundits have prophesized in various media – looks to live

Increased radicalism: The failure of moderate Islam

2011-05-16T05:34:00.000+02:00

Increased radicalism: The failure of moderate Islam Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 05/16/2011 9:33 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | There is moderate Islam like there is moderate Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism or even Marxism. However, lately we have been confronted mostly with “radical Islam” or worse “terrorism” in the name of Islam. Islam,

Between fake and true morality

2011-04-20T08:07:00.000+02:00

Between fake and true morality Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Tue, 04/19/2011 10:26 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The public wonders why the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) paid more attention to the case of Arifinto, a legislator who was caught red-handed watching a porn movie during a House of Representatives plenary session, than to Misbakhun’s involvement in

The banal rhetoric of imperialism, colonialism

2011-04-12T03:23:00.000+02:00

The banal rhetoric of imperialism, colonialism Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 04/08/2011 8:00 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The current campaign waged by the US and its allies against Col. Muammar Qaddafi’s merciless dictatorship also entails a war of ideas.Qaddafi and his followers have shielded themselves from democratic protesters with a

Hesitant government a loophole for radicalism

2011-03-30T09:17:00.000+02:00

Hesitant government a loophole for radicalism Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 03/21/2011 9:39 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The recent bombs delivered in packages disguised as books sent to Ulil Abshar Abdalla, an activist of liberal Islamic network (JIL), and other prominent figures last week cannot be explained in plain and simple language.Nor can it be

Tales from the Holy Land

2011-03-30T09:14:00.000+02:00

Tales from the Holy Land Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Wed, 03/16/2011 10:24 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | In Indonesia, religious piety has become a public norm. Indonesian Muslims pray five times a day, fast during Ramadhan, and perform pilgrimage (haj) to the holy land, Hijaz, a province in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, once or more in their lifetime.No

Islam and dictatorship

2011-03-04T04:17:00.000+01:00

Islam and dictatorship Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Thu, 03/03/2011 11:08 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Whether or not Islam is compatible with democracy is a misleading question. Islam and democracy are two different entities, although both cannot be divorced when dealing with politics in the Muslim world. In Indonesia, for instance, Islam and Muslims

The tale of an ungrateful nation called Indonesia

2011-02-09T05:15:00.001+01:00

The tale of an ungrateful nation called Indonesia Al Makin, Jakarta | Wed, 02/09/2011 10:28 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | The recent assault on Ahmadiyah followers, for whatever reason, shows that this society has no gratitude towards the minority religious group that, together with other religious and ethnic groups, contributed to the building of this

Crop circles: Old and new myths in the making

2011-02-07T02:35:00.000+01:00

Crop circles: Old and new myths in the making Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 02/04/2011 10:23 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Yogyakarta, with a population diverse in ethnicities, faiths, and cultures, is a miniature Indonesia. You may also argue that other cities feature the same characteristics as those of Yogyakarta. Accepted. Whereas people come to

Good and bad religious leaders

2011-01-21T05:26:00.000+01:00

Good and bad religious leaders Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 01/21/2011 10:44 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | We Indonesians regard religion as vital in our life. It is difficult to imagine life without religion here. If you are frustrated when faced with harsh reality (judicial mafia, corrupt bureaucrats and irresponsible dishonest politicians), where

Between ideas and acts: Anticipating radicalism in 2011

2011-01-03T08:01:00.000+01:00

Between ideas and acts: Anticipating radicalism in 2011 Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 12/20/2010 3:05 PM | Review & Outlook, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | In 2010, Indonesia witnessed the police’s triumph, and in particular that of the special antiterrorist squad Densus 88, over terrorists.The successful year was preceded by a long effort that peaked with the killing

The lost role of ‘Pak Haji’

2010-12-21T07:18:00.001+01:00

The lost role of ‘Pak Haji’ Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 11/26/2010 8:56 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Indonesia is welcoming the pilgrims from the Islamic holiest land — Hijaz. After throwing pebbles at the pillars in Mina (jumrah), they performed the farewell circumambulation of the Kabah (tawaf wada). At home family and friends will address those who

Kurban dan Bantuan Kemanusiaan

2010-11-18T01:39:00.000+01:00

Kurban dan Bantuan Kemanusiaan Selasa, 16 November 2010 | 05:31 WIB, opini Kompas Al MakinApakah Ishaq atau Ismail yang dikorbankan sang Bapa Ibrahim: apakah itu menurut keimanan Yahudi, Kristiani, atau Islami? Apakah penggantian domba oleh Tuhan sendiri atau titah diperantarakan lewat malaikat?Pelajaran yang sepadan tetap mungkin terpetik, yaitu

Mythical perceptions of nature and survival

2010-11-10T06:42:00.000+01:00

Mythical perceptions of nature and survival Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 11/08/2010 9:56 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Keep in mind that the victims of natural disasters in Indonesia, such as the floods in Wasior, Papua, the tsunami in Mentawai, West Sumatra, and the volcanic eruption of Mount Merapi in Central Java, were not sinful people. They did

The nation’s dignity

2010-10-29T09:16:00.000+02:00

The nation’s dignity Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Tue, 10/26/2010 10:14 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Each epoch has its own spirit to define what “dignity” is. Throughout the history of this nation, the term renders many meanings. Our first president Sukarno, one of those who laid the foundations of this country and incited the people’s spirit to love this

The right to build mosques and churches

2010-10-29T09:14:00.001+02:00

The right to build mosques and churches Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 10/15/2010 9:31 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A | A | A | Mosques and churches, in which believers pray to God for a happy life in this world and salvation in the world to come, can also cause tension and conflict. In this archipelagic country — with a boast-worthy diversity of ethnicities,

Representing the Enemy, Musaylima in Muslim Literature

2010-10-07T03:59:00.004+02:00

This work claims that Musaylima served as a prophet for his own people in Yamama in more or less the same way as the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca and Medina. However, unlike Islam, Musaylima's religious movement did not survive.Here, a complete story of Musaylima - his claim of prophethood, qur'an (reading), religious activities, followers, opponents, and defeat - is reconstructed. A critical

World’s most powerful book

2010-10-04T06:28:00.001+02:00

World’s most powerful book Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Tue, 09/28/2010 10:11 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post I found the expression “Der Koran — Das mächtigste Buch der Welt” — which means “The Koran, the most powerful book in the world” — in the German magazine Der Spiegel No. 52, year 2007. As many said, the phrase, which lampoons the way in which the Koran is still

Disbanding Ahmadiyah costs the freedom of the nation

2010-10-04T06:25:00.001+02:00

Disbanding Ahmadiyah costs the freedom of the nation Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Fri, 09/17/2010 10:48 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post By the end of Ramadan, Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali promised to bestow a “controversial gift” on Indonesians, a gift that would displease proponents of tolerance, peace and common sense.That is, after Idul Fitri he will take

Yellow card for President Yudhoyono

2010-08-31T03:10:00.001+02:00

Yellow card for President Yudhoyono Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 08/30/2010 10:15 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Due to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s (SBY) sluggish and infirm response to religious violence and intolerance, a yellow card should be issued. A whistle should be blown. Halt the train for a moment, time for reflection.A referee should warn Ruhut Sitompul — a Democrat

Independence Day and the imagined enemies

2010-08-20T03:52:00.001+02:00

Independence Day and the imagined enemies Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 08/16/2010 9:26 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Every year, on the 17th of August, our history is glorified. We pay tribute to the national heroes who fought against “foreign enemies” for independence. In various ceremonies, the speakers — be they the president, governors, heads of districts, sub-districts, villages,

Capitalism during Ramadan

2010-08-13T04:02:00.001+02:00

Capitalism during Ramadan Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Sun, 08/08/2010 10:59 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Islam, like Buddhism, teaches us to endure suffering, through which we can learn some lessons including in patience, disquietude and self-control. From dawn to dusk, during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are commanded to fast. Ideally, Ramadan is a month in which modesty

Islam without veil

2010-08-05T03:15:00.001+02:00

Islam without veil Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Tue, 07/27/2010 9:36 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Since the recent controversy surrounding the French government’s ban on total face coverings (burqa or niqab), the head scarf issue has once again attracted the world’s attention. Indeed, only very few Muslim women cover their face completely, which is a reflection of the

Status quo in Muhammadiyah

2010-07-17T03:22:00.001+02:00

Status quo in Muhammadiyah Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Tue, 07/13/2010 9:36 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post There is no doubt that Muhammadiyah, as a social religious organization like Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has played a significant role in building the nation’s cha-racter. Muhammadiyah’s contribution in education and public service has been written with a golden pen in

The nation’s ambivalent attitude toward sex

2010-07-17T03:16:00.001+02:00

The nation’s ambivalent attitude toward sex Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Wed, 06/23/2010 9:57 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post From the incident of the leaking sexual video tape of allegedly involving Luna Maya (LM) and Ariel Peterpan (AP), an Indonesian version of the Tiger Wood’s scandal, one may conclude that we Indonesians are ambivalent about sex. We have a

The phenomenon of Anas Urbaningrum

2010-06-11T03:11:00.001+02:00

Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 06/07/2010 9:14 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Although there is no guarantee that fresh blood will supply innovative ideas and a “new spirit”, we still hope that a younger mind and soul should play a greater role in national leadership. In the aftermath of reformation, old faces still dominate the political arena. Some analysts and commentators

The preventive approach to terrorism

2010-06-11T03:08:00.000+02:00

The preventive approach to terrorism Al Makin, Yogyakarta | Mon, 05/24/2010 11:00 AM | Opinion The saga of "terrorist" hunting goes on in Indonesia. More targets are killed. More suspects' names are detected. This news coincides with the hotter news of chasing down those suspected of corruption. What a hard task for us Indonesians! Many TV stations broadcast the

Welcoming a guest and de-radicalization

2010-06-11T03:05:00.000+02:00

Al Makin, Bochum | Mon, 04/05/2010 12:07 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Two harrowing incidents - the police gunning down Southeast Asia's most wanted radical and the mass rallies protesting President Barack Obama's visit to Indonesia - distracted the Indonesian public's welcome to the president's pulang kampung (coming home). The term was coined to indicate that Indonesians

Can the Ulema Council respond to the real issues?

2010-03-15T09:55:00.000+01:00

Can the Ulema Council respond to the real issues? Al Makin , BOCHUM | Sun, 02/28/2010 3:09 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post In the last few weeks, the attention of Indonesians has been drawn to the development of law enforcement in the country. They all wonder whether the recent turmoil will become a watershed in the history of law enforcement in the

We speak the language of humans, not of crocodiles

2009-12-01T15:02:00.001+01:00

We speak the language of humans, not of crocodiles Al Makin , Bochum, Germany | Tue, 11/10/2009 12:25 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post A crocodile is a dangerous predator, whose mere prehistoric look already scares victims. Due to its thick skin, strong teeth, dinosaur shape, and calm appearance, this reptile becomes a symbol of crime due to its tricky behavior

Which standard of morality do you pick up?

2009-11-09T13:27:00.000+01:00

Which standard of morality do you pick up? Al Makin , Bochum, Germany | Thu, 10/22/2009 12:07 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Lately, the Indonesian public has displayed many "standards of morality". At least two tendencies have been in opposition to each other. There are those that intend to bring public morality back in line with the old religious values -

Indonesians really need to have a `Noah's Ark'

2009-11-09T13:25:00.000+01:00

Indonesians really need to have a `Noah's Ark' Al Makin , Bochum | Thu, 10/08/2009 11:54 AM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Indonesians take religion and faith in God seriously. Thus, it is worth pondering for a moment to relate the current series of natural catastrophes - e.g. earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions - to religious traditions. Religion in its

Benedict XVI and Islam: Indonesian Public Reactions to the Regensburg Address

2009-10-10T19:03:00.001+02:00

Benedict XVI and Islam: Indonesian Public Reactions to the Regensburg Address Author: Al Makin a Affiliation: a International Consortium for Research in the Humanities, 'Dynamics in the History of Religions between Asia and Europe', Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany Published in: Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Volume 20, Issue 4 October 2009 , pages 409 - 421

Indonesians really need to have a `Noah's Ark'

2009-10-10T18:55:00.000+02:00

What can Sharia banking offer?

2009-10-10T18:53:00.000+02:00

What can Sharia banking offer? Al Makin , MONTREAL | Tue, 03/10/2009 10:52 AM | Opinion The Jakarta Post A slump in global markets around the world has led political leaders everywhere to tap creative and innovative ideas. In the past few months, the word “bailout”, adopted as a financial policy in both developed and developing countries, has appeared

Are there any Indonesian prophets?

2009-02-19T20:44:00.001+01:00

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

Repositioning the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI)

2009-02-04T16:50:00.001+01:00

Al Makin , Montreal | Tue, 02/03/2009 3:38 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post In the past few years, the authority of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) in the eyes of Indonesian Muslims has been steadily tarnished by at least two causes: The outdated language used by the MUI in pronouncing edicts, and the apparently awkward position of the MUI in modern

Obama's oratory: Recalling the sway of Sukarno

2009-02-02T05:15:00.001+01:00

Al Makin , Montreal | Tue, 01/27/2009 1:25 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Now that the number of US presidents stands at 43, a comparison of their characteristics and leadership styles is possible. Prior to and after the inauguration ceremony, many US columnists have related President Obama's qualities to those of his predecessors, ranging from Lincoln,

The apparent battle: The politicians against the pundits

2009-01-23T15:49:00.001+01:00

Al Makin , MONTREAL | Fri, 01/16/2009 4:48 PM | Opinion, The Jakarta Post Who is actually battling whom in the Indonesian public realm? Is the battle occurring between Muslim moderates and radicals? To some extent, this may be true. Yet it does not entirely portray what is going on in Indonesia. Recall who supported the pornography bill and who opposed it.

Responses to Gaza crisis: Self-restraint is needed

2009-01-07T20:58:00.001+01:00

Al Makin, , Montreal | Wed, 01/07/2009 11:18 AM | Opinion and Editorial The Jakarta Post The following may portray the way in which the Indonesian public has responded to the Israeli strikes on Gaza: 1) Condemning the "unjust war" (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 30, 2008) and expressing condolences to its victims; 2) Showing solidarity and making donations,

Idul Adha: Personal piety instead of the common good

2008-12-07T22:30:00.001+01:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post Al Makin, Jakarta | Sat, 12/06/2008 11:41 AM | Opinion Idul Adha, like Ramadan and Idul Fitri, is welcomed by Indonesian Muslims every year with various slogans written on boards and posters. Many of these posters are hung along Jakarta's streets, summoning the Muslims to perform Idul Adha's main rite: Animal sacrifice. In Ciputat, for

To list just a few of the porn bill's major flaws

2008-10-16T11:05:00.002+02:00

The Jakarta Post, Opinion and EditorialAl Makin , Heidelberg, Montreal | Thu, 10/16/2008 10:46 AM | Opinion Our honorable members of the House of Representatives seem to put "personal bravado" above long-term national interest in their intention to pass "the already softened version" of the anti-pornography bill -- and are undeterred by the mounting protests

Idul Fitri and Christmas have similar substances

2008-09-30T12:14:00.002+02:00

Al Makin , Heidelberg, Montreal | Tue, 09/30/2008 10:19 AM | Opinion and editorial The Jakarta Post Idul Fitri and Christmas bear a substantial similarity to each other: their human side. It is true -- from a theological perspective -- that both celebrations have to do with a man's business with his God. Yet, in real life, the two involve more a man's

Welcoming Ramadan: The audacity of sanity

2008-09-06T00:25:00.002+02:00

Opinion and Editorial The Jakarta Post Al Makin , Heidelberg , Germany | Thu, 09/04/2008 10:16 AM | Opinion During the weeks before Ramadan, the Islamic fasting month, we received good news and bad news. That Mahfud MD, the new head of the Constitutional Court, slammed sharia bylaws in less than 24 hours after being sworn in is good news. That a Muslim mob

Time to reclaim the spirit of Indonesian nationalism

2008-08-15T13:29:00.001+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta PostAl Makin , Heidelberg | Fri, 08/15/2008 10:57 AM | Opinion During the heyday of awakening Indonesian nationalism leading to the birth of this nation, there were many stories about making compromises. Most of our founding fathers have, in this regard, set excellent examples. In the process of establishing the foundation

Obama among RI elites

2008-08-07T06:42:00.001+02:00

Opinion and Editorial The Jakarta PostAl Makin , Heidelberg, Montreal | Mon, 07/28/2008 11:01 AM | Opinion Obamania has now spread throughout the world. Barack Obama -- whom many expect to be an agent of change for the U.S. image in world politics in the wake of the Bush presidency -- has become an icon consisting no longer of merely flesh and blood. Instead, Obama is now synonymous with

Comparing football to religion

2008-07-26T14:36:00.002+02:00

Opinion-Editorial, The Jakarta Post, Fri, 07/04/2008Al Makin Over the past few weeks in Jakarta, politicians and religious leaders have been touting the role of religion in creating peace and dialogue. But over in Germany, particularly in Mannheim and Heidelberg, all talks have revolved around football. Interestingly enough, the quarterfinal and semifinal matches in the Euro 2008 championship

The death of reason, the destruction of nation

2008-06-20T22:59:00.001+02:00

Al Makin, Editorial and Opinion, The Jakarta Post, 6/7/2008http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/06/07/the-death-reason-destruction-nation.html The condemnation coming from across Indonesia, and the world, for the bamboo-stick ambush by the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) on a peaceful rally by the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion at the National Monument (Monas) is not

Enlightenment progress in Indonesia postponed

2008-05-07T17:35:00.001+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post, 4/30/2008Al MakinDay by day, I observe the Indonesian public realm with the loss of hope. I may exaggerate this mere feeling, since I'm still living abroad where I sometimes suffer from homesickness. However, when it comes to the matters related to religion, i.e., certain radical groups and their interpretation of religion, my anxiety is justified. All

Avoiding a counterproductive response to 'blasphemies

2008-03-27T12:08:00.003+01:00

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2008/03/27/avoiding-a-counterproductive-response-039blasphemies039.html Al Makin , Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post, 03/27/2008 12:08 AM The burning issue concerning those who have irritatingly used sacred Muslim symbols, including sciptures and prophets, to express their insensitive opinions reached the 11th summit of the Organization of the

Political pragmatism prevails in Indonesia

2008-02-19T22:48:00.003+01:00

Opinion Editorial The Jakarta Post, February 19, 2008http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20080219.F05&irec=4Al Makin, HeidelbergNo matter how doubtful it is, we have to welcome and encourage the efforts made by the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) to welcome and appreciate pluralism in Indonesian politics. This point was explained in detail by PKS president, Tifatul Sembiring,

Malaysia, Indonesia: Equally intolerant

2008-01-03T09:03:00.000+01:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (January 3, 2008) http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20080103.E02&irec=1Al MakinRather than highlight the common beliefs Muslims and Christians share during Id al-Adha and Christmas celebrations recently, the Malaysian government decided to focus on their ifferences.A Catholic weekly newspaper, The Herald, was told to stop using the

Indonesian intellectuals must raise their voices

2007-12-10T12:24:00.000+01:00

Opinion and Editoral, The Jakarta Post (December 7, 2007).Al Makinhttp://www.thejakartapost.com/yesterdaydetail.asp?fileid=20071207.F04 Indeed, it is weird, if not ridiculous, that the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) recently barred Prof. Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd, from speaking at the Annual Conference on Islamic Studies in Riau and another international seminar

Indonesia is not adequately represented

2007-11-12T16:49:00.000+01:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (November 12, 2007)Al Makinhttp://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20071112.F04&irec=3 What has often concerned me, and perhaps many other Indonesians, is what was portrayed by the International Herald Tribune on October 29. The daily describes Indonesia as "the invisible giant of South East Asia". Whether it is a complement or with

More Prophets are Needed in Today's Indonesia

2007-10-11T18:44:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (October 11, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20071011.E03&irec=2Al MakinIn a similar outcome to the Ahmadiyah and Lia Aminuddin cases, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) last week issued fatwa (edict) No. 4/2007 against the newly born Islamic sect Qiyadah Islamiyah, led by Haji Salam (alias Ahmad Moshaddeq), in Bogor.In the

Sensational Cartoons no Longer a Burning Issue

2007-09-07T18:28:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (September 7, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20070907.F04&irec=3Al MakinUnlike last year when Muslims in Indonesia and across the world reacted angrily to 12 controversial cartoons published by Danish daily Jyllands-Posten, few protests greeted a sensational cartoon printed by Swedish daily Nerikes Allehanda at the end of last

Pluralism, Politics and God?

2007-09-01T20:32:00.000+02:00

I'm scheduled to present my paper at the conference on the issue of: "Media Portrayals of Indonesian Public Sphere in Response to the Speech of Benedict XVI"Al Makin is a lecturer of the State Islamic University of Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, while completing a Ph.D at Heidelberg University, Germany. He wrote a number of scholarly articles in in the field of Islamic studies and Op-Eds in

Intellectual Argument versus Mass Rally

2007-08-24T22:49:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (August 24, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20070824.E02&irec=1Al MakinWhat a coincidence that in the last week we encountered two opposing incidents: the fruitful discussion of Abdullahi Ahmed An-Na'im's newest work, which was published in Indonesian -- Islam dan Negara Sekular: Menegosiasikan Masa Depan Syari'ah (Islam and

Sharing news about my research: Musaylima the forgotten prophet from Yamamah

2007-08-14T04:23:00.000+02:00

Now is my third year of writing my dissertation about forgotten prophets, one of them is Musaylima from Yamamah (currently Riyad, the capital city of Saudi). I have two semesters left, I could hopefully finish it on time. I do not publish anything about Musaylima yet and I'm patient enough to wait until my research is totally done, then I could say anything about this prophet. All what I will

From traditional Ulema to modern Intellectuals

2007-05-31T02:42:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (May 31, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20070530.F04&irec=3Al MakinReligious Affairs Minister Maftuh Basyuni recently criticized Indonesia's kyai (Muslim clerics) for their deep involvement in politics at the cost of the quality of Islamic education. The minister voiced his criticism when opening a meeting of the Islamic

Pluralism, Politics and God?

2007-05-17T04:02:00.000+02:00

I would present my paper in the following conference: Pluralism, Politics and God?An International Symposium on Religion and Public Reason13-15 September 2007McGill University, Montreal, KanadaIn his controversial Regensburg lecture, Pope Benedict XVI sought to re-frame the interaction of religious traditions on the principle that ‘not to act reasonably is contrary to the nature of God’. He also

Another Side of Israel

2007-05-07T23:25:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (April 28, 2007)Al MakinThere are many Indonesian Muslim leaders who will certainly blow up the issue, with regard to the possible arrival of Israeli parliament members in Bali to attend the 116th Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), from April 29 to May 4. A few have even declared that Muslims will take to the streets to protest the

Indonesia is experiencing an identity crisis

2007-04-06T02:11:00.000+02:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (Apri 5, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20070405.F05&irec=4Al MakinThe recent support of the Indonesian government for UN Security Council Resolution 1743 on Iran's nuclear program has led to another public controversy. This, without any doubt, resembles to the public responses to the short visit of U.S. President George W.

Indonesian Muslims should stay on alert

2007-01-27T04:45:00.000+01:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (January 26, 2007)http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20070126.F04&irec=3Al MakinRecent praise from charismatic Egyptian Muslim figure Yusuf Qardawi during his visit to Indonesia is reason enough to make us proud. The celebrated scholar is quite optimistic that the democracy in place in the country can set other Muslim countries a good

Perspektif Lain Soal Pembaruan Islam

2007-01-20T02:46:00.000+01:00

Opini, Republika (January 19, 2007)Al MakinTulisan berikut mencoba menanggapi dua artikel terdahulu, Hamid Fahmi Zarkasyi (28/12/06) dan Ismail F Alatas (5/01/07), yang kurang lebih berkenaan dengan kritik terhadap para pemikir pembaruan Islam di Indonesia semisal Nurcholish Madjid dan Harun Nasution. Terasa unik, terutama Nurcholish sampai meninggal dan mungkin juga yang lainnya hampir tidak

Menghindari Argumen Sirkuler Pluralisme

2006-12-22T16:41:00.000+01:00

Opini, Republika (December 22, 2006) Al MakinPerdebatan tentang pluralisme di Republika cukup seru. Dimulai dari tulisan Syafi'i Ma'arif (21/11/2006) yang ditanggapi keras oleh Adian Husaini (01/12). Setelah itu, kita bisa simak beberapa tulisan yang membahas persoalan yang sama oleh Syamsul Hidayat (01/12); Fajar Riza Ul Haq (8/12); Zuhairi Misrawi (08/12); Bustanuddin Agus (15/12); dan

Kemenangan Konservatisme Global

2006-12-02T14:13:00.000+01:00

Opini, Republika (Oktober 17, 2006)Al Makin Artikel berikut berkait erat dengan dua Penulis sebelumnya: Azra (5 Oktober 2006) dan Maftuhin (9 Oktober 2006), namun tidak akan menjebakkan diri dalam perdebatan apakah politik Amerika telah menjadi teokratis atau tidak. Tetapi, penulis akan memandang dengan perspektif lain dan memberikan deskripsi tentang politik global yang cenderung ke arah

Listening to the speech of Pope Benedict XVI

2006-12-02T14:06:00.000+01:00

Opinion and Editorial, The Jakarta Post (September 19, 2006)Al MakinDuring his visit to his home country Germany, Pope Benedict XVI (formerly Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger) dropped in on Thursday Sept. 12, 2006, at his former Regensburg University.From 1969 to 1977 he was a professor of dogmatics at the school and this year he delivered a speech there, broadcast live on many German TV channels. More

Chavez's view of the world: President Chavev's Speech to the United Nations

2006-10-02T16:36:00.000+02:00

Your Excellencies, friends, good afternoon:The original purpose of this meeting has been completely distorted. The imposed center of debate has been a so-called reform process that overshadows the most urgent issues, what the peoples of the world claim with urgency: the adoption of measures that deal with the real problems that block and sabotage the efforts made by our countries for real

Proclamation of Indonesian Independence

2006-09-20T13:10:00.000+02:00

http://www.jawapalace.org/proklamasi.jpghttp://www.geocities.com/arry_musman/Naskah-Proklamasi.jpgFor the voice of Soekarno, who read the text by the year 1945 listen:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcPL0uUV02Y&feature=related

Pope in Regensburg

2006-09-19T12:26:00.000+02:00

The following comments of mine onthe Pope's speech in the Jakarta Post:http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaileditorial.asp?fileid=20060919.E02&irec=1Image source: google search

Bush on the 11th of September

2006-09-19T12:17:00.000+02:00

Transcript: Bush's addressThe New York TimesPublished: September 11, 2006Following is text of President Bush's address to the nation on Sept. 11, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as recorded by The New York Times:Good evening. Five years ago, this date - September the 11th - was seared into America's memory. Nineteen men attacked us with a barbarity unequaled in our

Ahmadinedjad to Bush

2006-09-19T12:13:00.000+02:00

Mr George Bush,President of the United States of AmericaFor sometime now I have been thinking, how one can justify the undeniable contradictionsthat exist in the international arena -- which are being constantly debated, specially in politicalforums and amongst university students. Many questions remain unanswered. These haveprompted me to discuss some of the contradictions and questions, in the

Nabi Palsu/False Prophet

2006-09-12T12:23:00.002+02:00

This essay is my attempt to freely combine many point of views ranging from literary, fiction, philosophy, history, and mythology.The story goes that someone called "Ego," convinced that his destiny is to be a prophet, has pursued his dream of prophethood. In his journey, many obstacles faced him. He often casts doubt on his own belief in prophethood. Equally, people around seem not to

Anti-Kesempurnaan/Unfinished

2006-09-12T11:47:00.000+02:00

This is my first Indonesian work, published in Yogyakarta Indonesia (Pustaka Pelajar, 2002). Its title reads Anti-Kesempurnaan: Membaca, Melihat dan Bertutur tentang Islam/Unfinished: Reading, Observing and Telling about Islam.This book essentially deals with the daily life of Muslims in Indonesia, although a glimpse history of Islam is also presented. What the book mostly concerns is the

Bunuh Sang Nabi/Kill the Prophet

2006-09-08T13:01:00.002+02:00

This book is my newest bahasa Indonesia language work, entitled Bunuh Sang Nabi: Kebenaran di Balik Pertarungan Setan Melawan Malaikat (Kill the Prophet: Truth behind the Struggle between Satan and Angel)." Jakarta, Hikmah, Mizan 2006.The idea of this work basically continues the story told in the previous book Nabi Palsu (False Prophet). The story goes that someone, convinced himself to be a