Don't be fooled by Wahid's words

The Age Letters 28/12/2002 in Response to Indonesia's moderate Majority

Abdurrahman Wahid (Opinion, 27/12) states that the moderate Islamic movement in Indonesia is far more powerful than the radical movement. At the same time, he acknowledges that both these movements have as their aim the establishment of Islam as the dominant civilisation, and he states that even though the West is superior in technology, trade and communications, Islam is much more evenly matched in the sphere of culture.
Wahid's use of the word "movement" to describe both strains of Islam reaffirms the widespread concern in Western-style democracies that even moderate Islam sees itself as missionary - that is, sent to propagate religious faith.
In itself, the desire to share a deeply held belief system is a key facet of what the west calls religious freedom. Wahid’s Indonesia has proved itself totally unable to protect religious or political freedoms during the past half century. Most nations where people of Islamic faith dominate the political structure have even worse records.
The conclusion for many is that Wahid's moderate Islamic movement is content to allow the radical Islamic movement to trailblaze. More sympathetic readings of Indonesia's track record conclude at a minimum that they are impotent or cowed into silence by fear.
Our press in particular would do well to consider that much of what passes for political comment and analysis within Indonesia is far closer to what we would describe as extreme propaganda. Daily statements made in the Indonesian press and even more frequently within Indonesian mosques would be seen as incitement to racial hatred if repeated in Australia.
Wahid has packaged a moderate message to appease Australian ears. Australians would do well to look to internal Indonesian conversation - and, even more importantly, Indonesian actions.
Tom O'Lincoln (Age Letters Dec 30) is perfectly correct to indicate that the words "movement" and "missionary" are not restricted to Islam. They are indeed descriptive of all faiths at various times and places. In itself, the desire to share a deeply held belief system is a key facet of what the west calls religious freedom. Most nations where people of Islamic faith dominate the political structure have fearful records in the areas of religious as well as human rights. Wahid’s Indonesia has also proved itself unable to protect religious or political freedoms. An additional problem lies in the close association between Islam and violent political action around the world. Wahid's message is moderate and welcome. My point remains that the actions of his and the current Indonesian government in countering the culture of hate for "the West" are less reassuring.