REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) and the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI) agreed to muffle inter-religious harmony problem in Sentani, Jayapura, Papua. They did not want the issue to harm religious people in the country.

Chief of Interfaith Interreligious Affairs MUI Yusnar Yusuf said MUI adviced Muslims in Sentani as the minority to meet the demand from Christians as the majority. However, only reasonable demands that could be realized.

"We agree that adzan (call to prayers) should not be too loud. Therefore, the loud speaker will be directed to the inside of the mosque," Yusnar said to Republika.co.id on Tuesday.

Muslim in Sentani would also adjust the height of the minaret with the church buildings around it. They will have to dismantle the construction of Al-Aqsha Sentani mosque minaret.

"We thought the demand was reasonable for that one," Yusnar said.

On the other hand, Yusnar said some other demand from Jayapura Churches Communion (PGGJ) that were unreasonable. Muslims could not meet the demand to stop da'wah activities in Papua province and the use of Muslims attire for school children.

"Those requests were unreasonable and PGI has to muffle their own congregation," Yusnar remarked.

So far, working team assigned to solve the problem in Sentani has not reached any agreement. MUI advised Muslim as minority to follow the demand of Christians.

"But the demand from the majority must be regulated by regional regulations, not by PGI or other groups ruling," he said.

Earlier, PGGJ Chairman reverend Robbi Depondoye believed working team formed by the regent will find middle ground to resolve Muslims and Christians conflict in the area. He said working team has met with his organization on Monday. The meeting will be continued on Tuesday to hear Muslims aspirations.

"Together with the working team, we build an understanding to build Jayapura Regency as a religious harmony integrity zone," he said to Republika.co.id, on Monday.

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