Religious affairs commission to discuss Ahmadiyah with inter-religious figures

Following the Prophet's example: The chairman of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, Said Aqil Siradj, gives a sermon at an event held to commemorate the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday evening

The religious affairs commission of the House of Representatives is set to meet with a number of inter-religious figures to discuss the Ahmadiyah religious sect during a hearing scheduled for tonight.

Head of House Commission VIII Abdul Kadir Karding said on Thursday that he had invited the chairman of the Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama Said Aqil Siradj, former Muhammadiyah chairman Syafi’i Maarif, former vice president Jusuf Kalla and noted Muslim scholar Azyumardi Azra.

“We want to hear their views to find a solution to the Ahmadiyah problem,” Abdul said.

Jamaah Ahmadiyah has been the target of attacks from hard-line Islamic groups, most recently in a village in Pandeglang, Banten, where three Ahmadis were killed.

House Commission VIII met with representatives of the Ahmadiyah sect on Wednesday and with Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali and National Police chief Timur Pradopo last week.