MUI chairman pays courtesy call to VP

Jakarta. Vice President Jusuf Kalla received the visit of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), chairman KH. Ma’ruf Amin, together with the organization’s executive board members, at his office today.

Mr Amin reported to the Vice President the result of MUI congress that had just completed, among others the organization’s aspiration to develop moderate Islamic thinking to counter radical ideologies.

In response, Mr Kalla said radicalism is in fact originated in countries outside Indonesia.

“Terrorism and radicalism initially emerged in the failed states. Those states failed due to its radical government which was then replaced by greater radicalism by bigger countries invading them,” he said.

Radicalism, he added, could also be triggered by misinformation on internet.

Besides, he continued, increasing income inequality also has the potential to generate radical actions.

MUI executive board members present at the meeting were Dr. H. Anwar Abbas, Prof. Dr. Tuty Alawiyah, Dr. H. Nadjamuddin Ramly Msi, Dr. Lukmanul Hakim MSi, Dr. Amirsyah Tambunan, KH. Muhyiddin Junaidi, MA, Prof. Dr. Huzaimah, Prof. Dr. Amany Lubis, and Dr. Yusnar Yusuf.