Kang Jalal on Shia in Indonesia (Part 4)

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Conflict between Sunni and Shia followers is nothing new. Such conflict has been going on for thousands of years and has occurred in other countries beside Indonesia. Therefore, scholar Jalaluddin Rakhmat, or Kang Jalal, as he is amicably known, says the Sunni-Shia conflict is not a localized problem but an international issue.When Tempo visited Kang Jalals residence on Thursday, August 29, the man shared his story about Shia in Indonesia, covering how the teachings spread, conflict, ways of worship, and the threats that Shiites are facing. The following is the fourth part of that conversation between Tempo reporters Choirul Aminuddin, Erwin Zachri, Cornila Desyana, Praga Utama and the chairman of the Shura Council of the Indonesian Jamaa Ahl ul-Bayt Association (IJABI).When did the conflict against Shia start?When the Shiites began to show interest in Fiqh. The first conflict took place in 2000 in Batang, Central Java. At that time, a boarding school belonging to Ustad Ahmad B was attacked after Friday prayer, but that was a mere spark. The perpetrators were arrested by the police and Shiites and Sunni followers have been living in peace there.After that, there was also a dispute in Bangil, Bondowoso, or Pasuruan, but on a smaller scale. The conflict subsided immediately because the police took firm measures. The conflict never reoccurred.How long has the conflict been going on in Sampang?Since 2004 and then in 2006, and also December 2011.Why are Sampang Shiites often attacked?Firstly because there are only a few of them; 700 people. Secondly, Shiites there are less affluent. On the other hand, the attackers are funded externally. Thirdly, the government seems to support the attacks because police did not arrest anyone even after three attacks. Instead, the police arrested Tajul Muluk, who was attacked.What is the impact of the Shia fatwa issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council in East Java?The fatwa just makes things worse because in Madura the opinion of religious leaders is highly regarded. Even thugs respect these religious leaders. In addition, the Religious Minister agrees with the fatwa. As a result, the blood of Shiites becomes halal and those who are misguided must be removed. The ministers remark was highly influential in law enforcement efforts in Sampang.Is it true that the Sampang conflict was triggered by family dispute between Ustad Tajul Muluk and his brother Roisul Hukama?Everybody says so. The truth is, religious conflicts have occurred for a long time. It was not a religious issue that involved family matters but a religious issue that took advantage of a family conflict.