Page 128 - Demo

Islam, Democracy and Human Rights in Contemporary Indonesia111Although it has the largest Muslim population in the world,Indonesia is quite moderate. The changes and reforms that havebeen made in all sectors will not change this country into areligious state. Former president Habibie has illustrated thatthe similarities between Muslims and Non-Muslim in Indonesiaare much closer than Muslims and Muslims in other countries. The similarities between Christianity and Islam in Indonesiaare much closer than between different forms of Christianity inother countries. Interfaith dialogue and tolerance have been demonstratedin its long history. Borobudur Temple, one of the seven wondersof the world, is located among Islamic communities, but it hasbeen preserved for the last few centuries without any tensionby local Hindu and Buddhist followers. This harmonious coexistence is a real testimony of howreligious harmony has existed in Indonesian society for manycenturies.The decade after the 9/11 tragedy has provided a great lessonin how to build a new world, a new common humanity wherethere is no powerful and powerless, free and fettered, privilegedand humiliated. And may Indonesia remain a testimony to the world thatits commitment to democracy and the future of the children ispast the point of no return.[]