Open Statement from Indonesian Moslem

To the President of France

Mr. Emmanuel Macron

Mr. President, I am Hendry Munief, a Muslim with Malay blood from Riau Province, Indonesia, who is currently carrying out the mandate as Chairman of the DPW of the Prosperous Justice Party (Partai Keadilan Sejahtera, PKS) Riau Province.

Freedom of opinion is a basic right for every human being. Their freedom is legally guaranteed, not only in our country, the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), but also in your country, France, as well as in other countries around the world.

However, this opinion freedom is limited by norms, morality, religion, and local wisdom. Therefore, your statement in discrediting Islam, as well as your support for the harassment caricature of the Prophet Muhammad salallahu 'alaihi wa salam, is a sign of  violated freedom as mentioned above.

For Us, as Muslims around the world; even just some of us who living in France, the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alaihi wa salam is a great figure, who has no one equal of glory when compared to any human being in this world until the end of the day. He is not only an role model, but also a master of Civilization whose knowledge is absorbed by humans in this world, even in France itself.

Then in the framework of the Malay culture where we were born, especially in Riau Province. The Riau Malay Customary Institution (Lembaga Adat Melayu Riau-LAMR) has confirmed that a person is called a Malay person who speaks Malay, has a Malay culture and he/she is Muslim. Speaking in Malay-Indonesian langguage, with a Malay culture, one of them is being able to honor the values ​​of tolerance, kindess, and straight against all deviation. Being Muslim, as taught by Prophet Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wa salam, That encouraging us to convey you, that your statement was disturbing us as Malays in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

Due to this reason, we condemn your statement about Islam and your support to the caricature of the Prophet Muhammad salallahu 'alaihi wa salam. Indeed, your actions are heinous actions and not appropriate as a leader of great country. You should apologize immediately to Muslims around the world, and not repeating the same thing in the future.

I would remind you as well that Muslims also have a significant contribution to France. The companies of your country are built majestically in Muslim countries, operated safely and far a way from all of persecution and racist action. Not to mention, the contribution of the Muslims in your country in many aspect, in knowledge development, sports, economics, and many others.

In fact, your critics to Islam is nothing more than excessive fear and Islamophobic opinions. Your imagination about Islam is far away from the actual facts that how beautiful Islam is.

Mr. President, through this direct messages, I recommend you inviting the muslim scholars/Ulama in your country while your though about islam was very terrible. Getting some discussions, sharing your concerns, and listening to their thought.

The above methods are the better way to overcome your excessive fear about Islam. Believe me, They are unarmed, nor have the power to commit treason, even they love you as President and the country of France above themselves when you do respect to the Prophet Muhammad.

This is my direct messages to you Mr. President and thank you for your attention.

Chairman of the DPW, Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) Riau Province - Indonesia

30th October 2020

H. Hendry Munief, MBA.

(Translated to English and Edited by : Andi)