Tribute to a great PluralistToday at 6:59am
January 1, 2010.A Great Pluralist*, Abdurrahman Wahid passed away.
He was considered Father of Pluralism in Indonesia
I read the news around 2:00 am up again at 6:00 AM to finish reading about Abdurrahman Wahid. A man I have come to admire for his understanding of Islam and its plurality and inclusiveness. I have read a few articles and had made up my mind to visit him some day to let him know that as a fellow Pluralist I salute him. I have quoted his name to many a Indonesians including the ones in Melbourne.
By the way, his take on Melbourne was similar to mine, a city designed to encourage social interaction and comfort with strangers. I love that City.
My “appeal to Indonesian Muslims” got published in Jakarta Post on December 31, 2009 and I truly regret not mentioning his name in the appeal. http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/12/31/letters-an-appeal-indonesian-muslims.html
God willing, I shall make an attempt to read his writings and quote him often, that will give balance to my desire to pay tribute to him.
A Great Man Dies – Abdurrahman Wahid
By Bigfella
“Whether we realise it or not, really, he was the father of pluralism and multiculturalism in Indonesia,” he said. The former leader was buried in his East Java hometown, Jombang, where about 5000 supporters gathered to welcome his motorcade. His supporters have held vigils at mosques, churches, …. Bruce Grant is a former diplomat and was foundation chairman of the Australia-Indonesia Institute. His former wife, Ratih Hardjono, has remarried and lives in Indonesia. …http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/world-affairs-board-pub/54148-great-man-dies-abdurrahman-wahid.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdurrahman_Wahid
* Pluralist is one who believes in co-existence and respects the otherness of other for common good. In religious terms, the one who does not depreciate other faiths to have his faith look good. He sees the beauty in each faith and heartily praises one.
More articles at – http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=abdurrahman+wahid&aq=1&oq=abdurrahman&aqi=g5g-s1g4&rlz=1R2RNTN_enUS359