REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – A well known Indonesian writer, Taufiq Ismail, spoke about the recent national condition. He said there is a repetition of condition set by the communists in the 1960’s where many scholars got defamation and criminalization. "What are they doing now is a repetition," said Taufiq in a discussion of ‘the Action to defend Islam and Ulema/ Islamic Activist in Facing Criminalization’ at Baiturrahman Mosque, Dr Saharjo Street, Menteng Atas, Jakarta, on Sunday (January 22).
Taufiq argued that there are similarities with the current state communists’ efforts who wanted to seize power. Many Muslim leaders were vilified and being tried to put them in jail.
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During the 1960s, Taufiq said, they managed to imprison Islamic leaders and activists, such as Buya Hamka and KH M Isa Anshary. Many ways used by the communists to seize power. "Same as now, they look for a variety of reasons," he said.
According to Taufiq, the communists always failed to seize power in the 60s. However, Taufik said, nowadays, they are still trying to make their efforts to succeed.
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As known, lately, a lot of slanders were addressed to the Islamic clergy, leaders, or activists. Among them, there were some who were led to criminalization.