Interfaith press statement concerning humanitarian work in Aceh
Press statement released by Muslim and Christian religious leaders at a joint press conference on Monday, 17th January 2005 in Jakarta.
Press statement released by Muslim and Christian religious leaders at a joint press conference on Monday, 17th January 2005 in Jakarta.
Concerning the destructive issues that emerge around the tragedy in Aceh, specifically news that was reported in the Washington Post (America) dated 13th January 2004, and the Indonesian edition that was released in the Republika on the 14th of January 2004, we feel the need to clarify the following points to the public:
1. Christian communities in Indonesia, specifically PGI and KWI, reject all efforts to wrongfully use humanitarian mission as a way of Christianizing people. This is in direct opposition to the spirit and teachings of true Christianity.
2. We appeal to international Christian communities, that if they wish to help children affected by the tsunami in Aceh and North Sumatra, they should work in collaboration with NU and Muhammadiyah, as well as other Islamic institutions. This is an agreement among religious leaders from PGI, KWI, NU and PP Muhammadiyah, specifically in handling the future of children who have suffered from the tsunami.
3. We welcome the efforts of the Government in preventing the children who have suffered from the tsunami in Aceh from being brought out of Aceh, as well as the efforts of the Government to prevent the steps of WorldHelp. According to recent news in the Washington Post, dated 14th January 2005, WorldHelp has canceled their earlier plans.
4. We appeal for people to use wisdom in responding to issues that concern humanitarian work, and not be easily caught up by rumors that have no basis.
5. We hope that all polemics that are unproductive to humanitarian work in Aceh and North Sumatra be swiftly ended. Now is the time for us to work together to overcome this national disaster as swiftly as possible.
May God the Creator and Guardian of Life bless our efforts.
Jakarta, 15th January 2005
Jointly signed by:
Pdt. Dr. Andreas A. Yewangoe (Chairperson of Indonesian Communion of Churches)
Rm. Benny Susetyo, Pr. (Executive Secretary, Interfaiths Commission of Indonesian Bishops’ Conference)
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Syafi’i Ma’arif (Chairperson of Muhammadiyah)
K.H. Hasyim Muzadi (Chairperson of Nahdlatul Ulama)
Pdt. Dr. Albertus Patty
Pdt. Dr. Martin L. Sinaga
Pdt. Sylvana Ranti-Apituley, M.Th.
Pdt. Dr. Lies Mailoa-Marantika
Pdt. Dr. Robert Borong
Pdt. Ioanes Rakhmat, M.Th.
Pdt. Kuntadi Sumadikarya, M.Th.
Supported by:
1. MADIA (Masyarakat Dialog Antara Agama)
2. ICRP (Indonesian Conference on Religion and Peace)
3. Freedom Institute
4. YMCA (Young Men Christian Association) Indonesia
5. P3M (Pusat Pengembangan Pesantren dan Masyarakat)
6. JIL (Jaringan Islam Liberal)
7. Lakpesdam NU (Lembaga Kajian dan Pengembangan Sumber Manusia Nahdlatul Ulama)
8. ICIP (International Center for Islam and Pluralism)
9. JPS (Jamaah Persaudaraan Sejati)
10.Wahid Institute