Canadian journalist Steve Paikin of TV Ontario in Toronto invited me to come to his studio and talked about the rise of religious discriminations and violence in Indonesia. He has his own talk show called The Agenda with Steve Paikin.
Paikin began his March 14 interview by declaring, "Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton once said, 'If you want to know whether Islam, democracy, modernity and women's rights can coexist, go to Indonesia.' However, recent and frequent violent attacks against the country's religious minorities suggest the nation of Indonesia is not the pluralistic paradise once described."
Paikin asked me to discuss Clinton's 2007 argument. I obviously questioned Clinton's remark. I think Hillary Clinton will regret that remark if she knows the situation on the grounds.
Paikin asked me about the spiritual makeup of Indonesia, its government, the violence committed against groups, and how the outside world can lend a helping hand. I also talked about the violence against Ahmadiyah Muslims in the brutal killing in Cikeusik, Banten, on February 6, 2011.
We also touched on the difference concept of "religious freedom" under Indonesia's Constitution and "religious harmony" introduced by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The recorded interview is broadcast today in Ontario.
No comments:
Post a Comment