Anand Krishna in ISEAS (Institute of Southeast Asian Studies) Singapore

Posted on Dec 19, 2007

On 17-18 December 2007, Anand Krishna (left) was invited to Singapore by the ISEAS (Intitute of Southeast Asian Studies). Initiated by Ambassador Kesavapany, the director of ISEAS (right), the invitation was to open a dialog with the Singaporean interfaith public figures. Attended by professors and executives of ISEAS, the prestigious forum hoped to receive Krishna’s contributions and views on interfaith dialog.

During the important opportunity, Anand Krishna explained the current situations in Indonesia and their impacts on Singapore and Malaysia. He further stressed how Indonesia was currently experiencing serious cultural challenges.

It is such a tragedy, he said, if Indonesia just accepts Wahabi Islam. People leaving for the holy hajj journey only see Islam as represented by Saudi Arabia. It is imperative to deconstruct Indonesia’s current education system with a more balanced one, delivering among others worldwide history of religion. The aim is to have each and every child appreciating every civilisation and its respective cultures on Earth, instead of becoming fanatics boxed by differences.

Currently, Indonesia’s grass root society is facing disintegration. Religions are boxed in schools. One of the regencies in Indonesia obliges their female students to wear veils, lest they shall be fined Rp 5,000 (less than 50 cent) per day. Such atrocities are very dangerous for Indonesia’s survival, which in return will gravely impact on Singapore, Malaysia and neighbouring countries. Like it or not, we must strive to bring forth the spirit of interfaith harmony in Southeast Asia.