MUI initiates programme to raise Indonesia's morals

May 15, 2014
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JAKARTA, Indonesia – The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has launched a "National Movement to Correct the Nation's Morals" in response to recent reports it finds disturbing, local media reported.

  • Muslim groups hold an anti-pornography rally outside a Bandung court in 2011. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) launched a

    Muslim groups hold an anti-pornography rally outside a Bandung court in 2011. The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) launched a "National Movement to Correct the Nation's Morals" on Tuesday (May 13th). [Bay Ismoyo/AFP]

"This is our reaction to the frequent sexual deviations, child violence, murders and drug abuse cases, which are the obvious signs of a nation's morality declining," MUI chairman Din Syamsuddin said Tuesday (May 13th), according to Antara.

Din added that MUI will focus on crimes against children, violence and murder during the first six months, Suara Islam reported.

MUI made seven demands, the first of which Din said was to punish anyone who violates laws related to the preservation of morals, The Jakarta Post reported. Other demands include revising the Child Protection Law to protect children from violence and molestation, and stressing the importance of religion-based education by parents.

Din also called for the monitoring of electronic, print and cyber content to ensure entertainment programmes aren't morally damaging.

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