Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) welcomes Dr. Zakir Naik to give a public lecture on April 3. His attendance is warmly greeted by not only Muslims but also other believers in Yogyakarta. A student of University of Atma Jaya Yogyakarta Kevin Kristian expressed that we have to appreciate the visit of Dr. Zakir Naik that must be great for the betterment of the tension of among religions in Indonesia.
“Apart from ethnic groups, race, culture, religion, and gender, I think that the visit of Dr. Zakir Naik is an occasion to reinforce inter-religious tolerance. During my staying in Yogyakarta, I have rarely heard inter-religious conflicts and never become a victim of inter-religious issues. I think that Yogyakarta is a tolerant city, and it should be reinforced,” stated Kevin on an interview on Monday (20/3).
He added that, even though he is not quite familiar with Dr. Zakir Naik, he expected that the visit of Dr. Zakir Naik provides knowledge of how maintain inter-religious tolerance. “I do not know much about Dr. Zakir Naik, and I do not know what public lectures he has given. However, one thing I wish is that religious figures (from any religion, -ed.) can provide a lecture on the beauty of living in differences, peace, and togetherness,” expected Kevin.
Meanwhile, a journalist of a newspaper in Yogyakarta Yvesta Putu Ayu advised that inter-religious people have to welcome a religious figure. “I personally think that the Indonesian visit of Dr. Zakir Naik is not problem. Whatever his faith, we should be open-minded and should welcome to learn whatever all religious figures uttered,” contended Putu.
Putu also expected that Dr. Zakir Naik can tell how to maintain inter-religious tolerance in India and Indonesia. “I am keen to listen to his explanation of tolerance because I support pluralism and I am non-Muslim. I am also curious about other religions. I am also eager to know tolerance in India so that it may be able to be implemented in Indonesia. I wish that Dr. Zakir Naik can deliver a lecture dealing with knowledge,” hoped Putu.
