ISKCON Indonesia Association Ready for Dialogue

Denpasar (Atnews)—The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Indonesia Association is very grateful for the presence of the cross-sectoral team consisting of the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion, Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office (KSP), Commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights in Denpasar on Wednesday (Aug 11).

The arrival of the team was to look for facts (information) that actually happened regarding the ISKCON Sampradaya in Bali so that it becomes the attention of the Central Government.

“We really appreciate and are grateful for the presence of the government and its team who have paid attention to this problem, something that the community has been waiting for, giving us the opportunity to be able to convey information as it is,” said Chairman of the ISKCON Indonesia Association, I Wayan Sudiara, to the media in his press release in Denpasar on Friday (Aug 13).

During the meeting, the ISKCON Indonesia Association conveyed the answers transparently to the cross-sectoral team, believed to be Guru Wisesa (one part of Four Gurus that must be respected by every devotee).

With the meeting and the presence of the team, hopefully the government will get a complete and broad picture of the existing problems so that it can provide solutions and mediation between parties and elements of society who have been in conflict.

So far, the ISKCON Association has chosen to remain silent with full awareness as an effort to keep the situation of the Balinese people conducive, considering that Bali is Indonesia’s window in the eyes of the world and a miniature symbol of the Republic of Indonesia. In an unfavorable situation, the ISKCON Association tries to make a small contribution in the form of not complicating the situation in the Covid-19 pandemic which becomes a serious concern for all parties.

“By restraining ourselves and being non-reactive, hopefully the situation will not escalate so that there is still clarity for dialogue and finding the best solution so that harmony and unity are still well maintained, posing an important capital in supporting the development of the nation and state,” said Sudiara, who is also a former member of the Bali House of Representatives.

Chairman of the association felt very concerned about the polemic of the belief perspective having drained the community"s positive energy. All this time, relations with the community have been running harmoniously for decades with full of peace.

“As Balinese, we maintain the region that has the noble character of paras paros, menyama braya and always live peacefully side by side,” he affirmed.

Even personally, ISKCON members in Bali remain to follow the customs in their respective customary village.

In addition, the association also responded to accusations that the activities carried out disturbed public order. The accusation is not correct because every activity is carried out in coordination with the existing authorities and even invites related parties in every major celebration activity such as Gita Jayanti (celebration of the emergence of Bhagavad Gita), Ratha Yatra, and others.

Whenever it exists, probably it was carried out by certain individuals and we are ready to help follow up with the authorities in accordance with the applicable rules. Meanwhile, regarding transnational accusations, the ISKCON Indonesia Association explained that the organization has cooperation (affiliation) with ISKCON based in Mayapura, India. The cooperation is religious in nature and spiritual values are rooted in the Vedic teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnava.

Management of the ISKCON Indonesia Association remains independent and complies with the rules and regulations of the Republic of Indonesia (Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution)

ISKCON has a total of 600 centers spreading across 215 countries, including India, Russia, America, Africa, China, Japan, England, Ukraine, Germany, Italy, Arabic, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia.

In its activities, the ISKCON Association also raises and promotes local culture and dances in building good relations between religious communities both outside Bali and international community.

Such performances can strengthen the relationship among the citizens, get to know each other"s culture from other people and ethnicities in building togetherness and getting to know each other. Likewise, this is to support building religious moderation launched by the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia.

At the meeting, the ISKCON Association also stated that it does not always feel right because it is still in the learning process. Thus, as Hindus, the ISKCON Association is ready to be fostered in a sustainable manner in order to participate in realizing peace.

Based on an in-depth study, the ISKCON Association considers that the polemic has something to do with the Attorney General’s decision Number 107/JA/5/1984 where the prosecutor’s office in one of the dialogues with Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI) stated that “the decree is still valid but inapplicable.”

All this time, the efforts to adjust in carrying out activities are continuously carried out. Even the government is always invited to see directly the ashrams and then provide coaching.

He also observed that polemics escalated when there were provocations on social media in the form of writings, photos, and videos which had been distributed partially with provocative narratives.

Not to mention, there were possibilities of political elements and allegations of massive fake accounts spreading provocations and hoaxes.

For this reason, the ISKCON Association hopes for dialogue and deliberation so that the situation does not escalate which can lead to further horizontal conflicts.

Deliberation and consensus are the ways of life mandated by the founding fathers of the nation as outlined in Pancasila, in line with the values of a civilized nation that upholds human values and morality.

“In a misunderstanding like this, it is time for us to apply Pancasila values. Every problem must have a space and solution by building communication and dialogue so as not to add to misunderstandings,” he said.

Furthermore, the ISKCON Association hoped that the government and law enforcement agencies will actively minimize and eliminate hoaxes and slander so as not to tarnish the image of Bali as a world’s tourism destination. “In Bali, even a falling needle will be easily heard by the whole world,” he said.

In addition to verbally, the ISKCON Association also provided information in the form of documents to the fact-finding team related to the current situation along with a statement from the Minister of International Global Communications of ISKCON which reads as follows:

1. ISKCON has been accepted globally as a Hindu-minded organization and has made the Vedic Scriptures the foundation of its teachings.

2. ISKCON is accepted and appreciated in many countries such as India, North America, South America, Europe, Russia, Africa, Australia and many parts of Asia.

3. In terms of management (all organizational matters), it has fully complied with local laws and regulations as well as customs.

4. ISKCON adheres to 4 principles including humility and compassion as its teachings.

5. Many countries appreciate ISKCON’s contributions such as providing free meals every day for 1.2 million school students during the pandemic, and this is being done in almost all ISKCON branches.

6. Many awards have been achieved for the contributions of ISKCON, and our Founder, Srila Prabhupada, by scholars, political leaders, heads of state et cetera. The positive appreciation came from the previous and current Prime Ministers of India, as well as from the British Prime Minister. In the United States, ISKCON is one of the parties invited to pray at the inauguration of the President of the United States, Joe Biden.

7. ISKCON is a broad-minded and inclusive community and institution. ISKCON is actively conducting interfaith discussions in all countries.

8. In closing, Annutama Prabhu stated that as a large religious and spiritual community we realize that we have an obligation to be good citizens and good servant of God. Even though we may fail in both ways, we are always ready to learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves organizationally.

In this regard, we appreciate every suggestion extended by the Minister so that we can contribute to serve the Indonesian nation better, and to increase respect, cooperation, peace, prosperity and service to others and God.

The letter from the Head of the Global ISKCON Communications has been forwarded to the Minister of Religion as well as to the Cross-Sectoral Team during a meeting with the ISKCON Indonesia Association.

Meanwhile, the release of Ministry of Religion stated that the Cross-Sectoral Team visited the home of the Vice Dharma Adyaksa of Central Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI), Ida Pandita Mpu Nabe Jaya Acharyananda, on Wednesday (Aug 11) at Griya Mumbul Sari, Gianyar.

The visit was made to ask for input and direction from Ida Pandita Mpu Nabe Jaya Acharyananda regarding the polemic of the ISKCON Indonesia Association that has occurred among Hindus recently.

“All forms of input and considerations from Ida Ratu Pandita will be used as a reference in formulating the best solution to the problems that are currently happening,” said Tri Handoko Seto.

“In addition to the religious aspect, we also consider legal aspects, human rights, as well as the social order so that this conflict does not have a much wider impact on our Hindus,” he continued.

In response to this, Ida Pandita Mpu Nabe Jaya Acharyananda advised that the state should be seriously present as a guide in resolving the ISKCON horizontal conflict in the midst of Indonesian Hindus.

Furthermore, it will hold a dialogue with the Bali Customary Village Council (MDA) at the office of Bali Customary Village Council which aims to explore information and the subject matter of various problems faced by Hindus, especially the ISKCON polemic.

A commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights, Beka Ulung Hapsara, also directly asked several questions addressed to MDA Bali.

“National Commission on Human Rights has actually received a letter and a study from MDA Bali, but we would like to have further dialogue to find out the background and perspective on this ISKCON case,” he said.

Responding to this question, Chairperson of MDA Bali, represented by the Deputy for Institutional Human Resources and Government, Made Wena, stated that the movement carried out by MDA Bali is part of the unrest of the Hindu community, especially in Bali, which is closely related to customs, traditions and ceremonies.

“There are several activities and issues that we directly and indirectly indicate to have been offensive and insulting to religious orders in accordance with Hindu teachings, especially those of Bali,” he said.

Next, the cross-sectoral team consisting of the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Indonesian Ministry of Religion, Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office and Commissioner of the National Commission on Human Rights visited the IX/Udayana Military Regional Command, Bali Police and the Bali Provincial Government on Thursday (Aug 12).

Deputy Chief of the Bali Police, Brigadier General Ketut Suardana, confirmed some of the events described. Besides, he also conveyed the measures that the Bali Police had taken in maintaining conduciveness in Balinese society.

“It is true that there was a movement against ISKCON Sampradaya in Bali which resulted in the reporting of several mass organization leaders in Bali. Until now, the Bali Police are still investigating the report and we continuously work with community leaders so that they are not easily provoked,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, in a meeting with the IX/Udayana Military Regional Command, the representative of Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office, Rumadi Ahmad, he emphasized the importance of conflict mitigation as early as possible.

“History on horizontal conflicts dragging the issue of belief always leaves scars for the community. For this reason, it is important for us to mitigate the conflict early on, so that it does not lead to a bigger escalation,” he said.

In response to this, Chief of Staff of the IX/Udayana Military Regional Command, Brigadier General Harfendi, emphasized that IX/Udayana Military Regional Command will continue to seriously maintain the conduciveness of social and religious life in Bali.

“Bali is known as one of the most tolerant islands, not only in Indonesia but also in the world. To that end, do not let this problem tarnish the image of Bali which has been well known so far,” said Brigadier General Harfendi.

Similar to the meeting with the Regional Secretary of Bali Provincial Government, the Director General of Hindu Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, Tri Handoko Seto, conveyed the plan to designate 2022 as the Year of Tolerance by President Joko Widodo and invited the Bali Government to contribute to the success of the program.

“In this issue, we must move together by involving various community leaders as well as prioritizing dialogue and mediation measure so that in the discourse of the Year of Tolerance 2022, Bali remains one of the barometers of Indonesian tolerance,” he affirmed.

Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of the Bali Provincial Government, Dewa Made Indra, agreed that mediation and dialogue are the wisest measures to be taken in an effort to minimize the potential for prolonged conflict.

“After preconditioning the conflict, we seek mediation by involving the parties. This measure is most likely to prevent a prolonged conflict,” he concluded. (z/Gab/ART/001)