..."Only 3 percent of Indonesians supported a Western-style democracy".... 
Posted on 08/26/2006 8:00:36 AM PDT by Valin
Most Indonesians oppose strict Islamic system - poll JAKARTA (Reuters) - Most Indonesians do not favour adopting a strict Islamic system in which sharia laws would enforce the wearing of head-scarves for women or stoning for adultery, a survey showed on Thursday. But 80 percent supported a crackdown on alcohol, gambling and prostitution, according to results of the survey conducted by the Indonesian Survey Circle, a prominent private pollster.
The survey, with a margin of error of 3.8 percent, was conducted in July and August and covered 700 people across the world's most populous Muslim nation. Almost 70 percent in the poll backed the current secular system in which all religious faiths enjoy an equal status. "The majority of Indonesians feel that Pancasila (Indonesia's secular ideology) is in harmony with religious and ethnic diversity," the pollster said.
Around 85 percent of Indonesia's 220 million population are Muslims and most are moderate in their views. However the country has a radical fringe that is vocal and growing in visibility. About 55 percent of respondents opposed implementing Islamic law, with stronger opposition to some sharia laws. The poll showed 77 percent opposed to making women wear Muslim dress, while 77.3 percent were against cutting off the hand of a thief. Meanwhile, 63.3 percent objected to stoning for adultery and 71.2 percent opposed the death penalty for Muslims converting from Islam.
The only province in Indonesia with the right to adopt sharia laws in the judicial system is Aceh. Aceh courts received the freedom as part of an autonomy package Jakarta offered in an attempt to quell separatist passions in the staunchly Muslim province.
Only 3 percent of Indonesians supported a Western-style democracy, the survey showed. The poll aimed to be representative of the breakdown in religions in Indonesia, which also has substantial Christian, Hindu and Buddhist minorities.
..."Only 3 percent of Indonesians supported a Western-style democracy"....
If only 3% of the population supports Western style democracy, then it won't matter that the majority support a secular ideology...
Disagree.
One of the problems is that the stats are likely to differ markedly from Island to Island.
The problem with polls is if they confirm what we believe we think they're wonderful, if they don't we hate them.
I admit I do the same.
you're allowed your opinion too...;)
.. The only province in Indonesia with the right to adopt sharia laws in the judicial system is Aceh...
Is my memory good? Wasn't Aceh the province nearly wiped out by the Tsunami?
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