Most Islamic studies teachers in public and private schools in Java oppose pluralism, tending toward radicalism and conservatism, according to a survey released in Jakarta on Tuesday. The study shows 62.4 percent of the surveyed Islamic teachers, including those from Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah — the country’s two largest Muslim organizations — reject the notion of having non-Muslim leaders. The survey was conducted last month by the Center for Islamic and Society Studies (PPIM) at Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta, involving some 500 Islamic studies teachers throughout Java. It reveals 68.6 percent of the respondents are opposed to non-Muslims becoming their school principle and 33.8 percent are opposed to having non-Muslim teachers at their schools. Some 73.1 percent of the teachers don’t want followers of other religions to build their houses of worship in their neighborhoods, it found. Some 85.6 percent of the teachers prohibit their s...
Difference is something beautiful, not something used as an excuse to hurt each other, when we are able to understand the meaning of differences, then we can live with more happiness, and respect each other...