Jakarta (17/03) — COVID-19 pandemic created a wave of anti-Islamic sentiment in India as activities held by Tablighi Jamaat are alleged as the source of COVID-19 transmission in the country. Indonesian MP, Sukamta deeply regrets the situation.
” In the midst of difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic like this, we are so saddened that some people are using it to demonize followers of certain religions. COVID-19 is attacking everyone, without looking to any race, ethnicity, and religion. It is a pity that Muslims, who are the victim themselves, are accused of spreading the virus. As a country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia must defend Indian Muslim rights” said him (17/3).
According to Sukamta, who is also the Head of Foreign Relations Development of Justice and Prosperous Party (PKS), the accusation against Indian Muslims as the main spreader of COVID-19 is completely false. There are some people who are trying to frame this pandemic as a religious problem.
“Of course this is also inseparable from the long history of conflict there. Recently, India released a bill on immigration and citizenship which discriminates the Muslims. However, some Hindus also reject the allegation that the Muslims are spreading COVID-19 among Indian people”
Sukamta added that two Indian diaspora organizations in the United States, the Indian Muslim Council of India (IAMC) and Hinduism for Human Rights (HfHR), jointly condemned allegation scapegoating Muslims and Tablighi Jamaat during the outbreak. According to them, the COVID-19 crisis was exploited by those in power and succeeded in sharpening religious conflicts in India.
“Indeed, Tablighi Jamaat grand event was held before India officially adopted the lockdown policy. But I appeal to all religious people throughout the world, we must be discipline on staying home, decrease our mobility, and cease any religious activities to help the government fight the COVID-19. This is our mutual interest. We hope there will be no people using the COVID-19 pandemic to sharpen religious sentiment against another group. And the important thing is we must end this pandemic in a safe and healthy way ” said Sukamta who represents the Special Region of Yogyakarta.