We appeal to Mr. (Jusuf Kalla) to gather our ulemas, Taliban and Indonesian ulemas, to speak on Islam's understanding of violence. As the DMI chairman, Mr. (Jusuf Kalla) must have influence and integrity towards ulemas.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chief of the Afghanistan High Council for National Reconciliation (HCNR) Abdullah Abdullah is hopeful that Indonesia would host the Asian inter-ulema dialog that will also involve Taliban ulemas.

Abdullah highlighted his expectations at a meeting with former Indonesian vice president Jusuf Kalla in the capacity as chairman of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) at the Sapidar Palace in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Wednesday night.

"We appeal to Mr. (Jusuf Kalla) to gather our ulemas, Taliban and Indonesian ulemas, to speak on Islam's understanding of violence. As the DMI chairman, Mr. (Jusuf Kalla) must have influence and integrity towards ulemas," he noted in a written statement released on Thursday.

Indonesia and Afghanistan have several commonalities, including the presence of ulemas, who still have a place in the Muslim community, he pointed out.

Furthermore, not many differences existed in the cultures and characteristics of the two countries, he stated.

"Indonesia and Afghanistan share similarities wherein ulemas play an important role in the community. Our similar cultural characteristics and the understanding of religion is largely influenced by social and environmental factors. To that end, we appealed to Mr JK to partake in the meeting," he remarked.

Abdullah highlighted the importance of the inter-ulema dialog for Afghanistan since it and most Asian nations have similar characteristics and cultures. Hence, it will not be difficult to unite the perception of Islamic law.

Indonesia's involvement in Afghan’s peace efforts will also forge friendship between the two countries and boost bilateral cooperation.

In response, Kalla spoke of his intent to invite the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) to participate in the dialog.

"Inviting conflicting parties to hold a dialog in Jakarta is one of the options. We will invite the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI)," he remarked.
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Translator: ransiska Ninditya/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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