InfoAnda - 'Polygamy club' draws criticism in Indonesia

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Thousands protest Gaza assault in Lebanon | 30 December 2008
Kanye West floods Twitter with train of thoughts | | 6 January 2012
NJ woman fined for 'Real Housewives' hair pull | 30 January 2010

Delay possible to Greek debt repayments: Papandreou | 14 November 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : 'Polygamy club' draws criticism in Indonesia

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Australia China India Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Thailand Vietnam 'Polygamy club' draws criticism in Indonesia By ALI KOTARUMALOS,Associated Press Writer - Sunday, October 25 Send IM Story Print JAKARTA, Indonesia – Plans to open branches of a Malaysian "Polygamy Club" in Indonesia have upset women's groups and religious leaders in the world's most populous Muslim nation, who say the search for multiple wives should be handled privately _ not by a matchmaking service. Under Islamic law, Muslim men are permitted four wives. The club claims a noble aim of helping single mothers, reformed prostitutes and women who feel they are past marrying age meet spouses. It also offers counseling to people facing problems in polygamous households. The Malaysian owners say they want to "change people's perception about polygamy, so that they will see it as a beautiful rather than abhorrent practice," club chairwoman Hatijah Binti Am said as members from around 30 families attended a gathering in Bandung, west Java, for the opening of the first Indonesian branch last week. Others will soon be added, including in the capital, Jakarta, said spokeswoman Rohaya Mohamad. "Indonesia is a Muslim-majority country, so polygamy can be a way of life there too," Rohaya said. Polygamous relationships are believed to be gaining in popularity in secular Indonesia, but it's impossible to say how many there are because the marriages are performed secretly at mosques and are not recorded by the state. Indonesia's 1974 Marriage Law permits a man to have a second wife if his first is an invalid, infertile or terminally ill. However, there is no way to monitor adherence to the rules. Polygamists point out that the Prophet Muhammad is thought to have married about a dozen women in his lifetime, including widows in need of protection. But a prominent member of the influential Indonesian Ullema Council, a board of Muslim priests, described the launching of a formal club as a "provocative campaign." "Such a club is needless," said Ma'ruf Amin. "It will draw (negative) reactions rather than solve problems" because the practice is generally opposed by women in the country of 235 million people. Several prominent political and religious figures in Indonesia openly married second wives in recent years, sparking widespread public debate and calls to ban civil servants from polygamy. Analysts believe the number of men with multiple wives is increasing as this emerging democracy searches to balance modern governance and Islamic identity. Amin said that although Islam allows polygamy, popularizing the practice could encourage multiple marriages in which the husbands fail to adhere to strict guidelines, including fair treatment of all wives and children and equal financial support. Opposition has also come from women's rights activists. Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, director of the Institute for Indonesian Women's Association for Justice does not oppose men having several spouses, but said the club should not advertise openly. "If they did it privately, that would be fine," she said, citing the acceptance of polygamy under Islam and by the Indonesian state according to specific requirements. However, Yohanna, a member of the same women's rights group, said the club effectively promotes abuse. "While we are campaigning against domestic violence, which includes polygamy, there is a group campaigning that polygamy _ which hurts other women _ is a positive thing," Yohanna told MetroTV. Polygamy is also legal for Muslims in Malaysia but not widespread. The club was founded there in August and claims to have around 1,000 members _ 700 of them women _ many of them former members of a banned Islamic sect of Al-Arqam. Malaysia's Home Affairs Ministry was reportedly keeping a close eye on the club. Hatijah, the club founder, is a wife of Ashaari Muhammad, the leader of the Al-Arqam sect that was outlawed in 1994 by the Malaysian government after the group's teachings and beliefs were found to deviate from Islam. The group then claimed to have around 10,000 followers. Ashaari was portrayed by the movement as messiah who had the authority to forgive the sins of Muslims. He has 38 children from four wives, eight of them with Hatijah. Twenty-three of the children are in polygamous marriages. Indonesia's more than 200 million Muslims practice a moderate form of the faith, but a small hardline fringe has successfully pushed for Islamic law of Shariah in more than a hundred municipalities across the nation, and the predominantly Muslim province of Aceh. Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Afghanistan president says runoff must be held AP - Monday, October 26 Singh to Wen: Dalai Lama an honoured guest Reuters - Monday, October 26 Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in South Waziristan Reuters - Monday, October 26 Protests in Kashmir over a killing by Indian army AP - Monday, October 26 Japan navy holds review amid questions over future AP - Monday, October 26 News Search Top Stories IMF demands Ukraine veto new wage, pension law Thousands eat breakfast on Sydney Harbour Bridge Recession or not? US economy likely to be in limbo New German government to slash taxes Obama declares swine flu emergency More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Obama declares swine flu emergency Europe swine flu spreads, 'millions' infected in US Recession or not? US economy likely to be in limbo Icahn resigns from Yahoo! board New German government to slash taxes More Most Viewed » Boyzone singer Gately dies in Spain Mobile phone giant Nokia sues Apple over patents More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Sunday, 25 October 2009
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 14 dead
New German govt to slash taxes
Suspected ETA militants charged in France
Karzai rival says won't join Afghan government | International |
Saudi female TV journalist gets 60 lashes
Obama urges banks to help small businesses
Protesters demand UK pullout from Afghanistan
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 15 dead | International |
Saudi female TV journalist gets 60 lashes | International |
Influential Iran lawmakers criticise nuclear deal
Abbas should face trial for usurping power: Hamas
Russia's Medvedev says open to election law ideas | International |
UN to inspect atomic plant as Iran delays nod on deal
U.S. says Syria should release 78-year-old dissident | International |
Strong quake hits eastern Indonesia, causes panic
Lost keys lead NJ police to burglary suspects
US mulls direct talks as N.Korea nuclear envoy visits
15-year-old charged with murder of Mo. girl
Army captures Pakistani Taliban leader's hometown
Ensign resignation would set up Nevada scramble
Indonesia lifts tsunami alert after powerful quake
How does Ore. candidate roll? With MS, on a Segway
Another strong quake hits Indonesia
AP NewsAlert
Could letting pilots take a nap make flying safer?
Former child soldiers move on in Sri Lanka
Nunn not too pleased with its politicians
Maine girl born with 'mermaid syndrome' dies at 10
China-Guinea deal highlights Africa business ties
American sees changes in his North Korean hometown
Balloon boy's mother admits hoax: affidavit
Patients _ and patience _ in health care end game
Myanmar could ease Suu Kyi detention
'Paranormal Activity' scares up box-office delight
AP interview: Cosby keeps it clean for humor prize
Major quake strikes off Indonesia: seismologists
Domestic Violence Abuse Victims In Illinois Call For Reform Due To Large Number Of Unserved Protection Orders
Treasury Official Says Over $600 Million Of Credit For First-Time Home Buyers Are Suspicious
New Jersey Priest Found Dead; Police Suspect Homicide
UN team to visit Iran uranium plant
Britons killed on Kenya holiday: Foreign Office
U.N. experts in Iran to inspect new nuclear site | International |
Recession or not? US economy likely to be in limbo
Taliban call for Afghan vote boycott, threaten violence
Pakistan troops retake Taliban stronghold in Waziristan | International |
Karzai rival says won't join Afghan government | International |
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 14 dead
New German government to slash taxes
Ukraine PM enters tight presidential race
Obama declares swine flu emergency
Iraqi court seeks arrest of Sunni MP
Egyptian passenger trains collide, at least 15 dead | International |
Israeli police, Arabs clash near Jerusalem mosque | International |
Winds shift as fire burns Puerto Rican oil depot | International |
Pakistan troops retake Taliban stronghold in Waziristan
Church janitor charged in slaying of NJ priest
Sydney Harbor Bridge becomes grassy picnic ground
Australia, China discuss detained Rio executive: Rudd
Patients _ and patience _ in health care end game
Mother praises police searching for girl's killer
SKorea: Summit should help resolve nuclear dispute
Pakistani army takes Taliban chief's hometown
Last-gasp Smith saves Australia in Four Nations
Lawyer blasts release of affidavit in balloon case
Chinese hurdler Liu advances to 110m hurdle final
Thousands gather for worldwide climate protests
Jettisoned bomb destroyed at Utah's Hill AFB
EPA: Climate bill could cost family $100 annually
US, N.Korea hold nuclear talks in New York
SC Episcopalians to distance from national church
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 807
Taliban threaten Afghan voters in November runoff
Thailand, Philippines seek rice row solution: minister
Indian carmaker Maruti sees quarterly profit jump 93 pct
At 37, Paul Simon's son makes his musical mark
First black woman tipped for top French book prize
Placido Domingo tries out Verdi baritone role
Italian wine harvest shows good quality but drop in quantity
Anti-Semitism on the rise in France: Jewish community group
Party over mood at Russian 'Millionaire Fair'
'Sweat lodge' tragedy shines spotlight on ancient ritual
Polanski could face two years prison if extradited | Entertainment |
Sony looks for box office hit with This Is It | Entertainment |
At 37, Paul Simon's son makes his musical mark | Entertainment |
Suicide bombs kill 132 in Baghdad | International |
Young entrepreneurs get tips from Facebook-Twitter
U.N. experts inspect Iran's new nuclear site | International |
Israeli police, Arabs clash near Jerusalem mosque
Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in South Waziristan | International |
Twin suicide vehicle bombings kill 99 in Baghdad
Israeli police storm Jerusalem's holiest site
UN inspectors to check controversial Iran atomic plant
Asian leaders seek to reduce Western trade ties | International |
UN inspectors visit once-secret Iranian site
Twin suicide car bombs kill at least 38 in Baghdad
Twin Baghdad blasts kill at least 14: medics
Suicide bombs kill 132 in Baghdad
British police pursuing leads in Lockerbie case | International |
Uruguay vote pits ex-guerrilla and former president | International |
Singh to Wen: Dalai Lama an honored guest | International |
Somalia's Shabaab rebels execute two for spying | International |
Pakistan forces bomb Taliban in South Waziristan
Protests in Kashmir over a killing by Indian army
Japan navy holds review amid questions over future
Australia edge India in one-day international
Asian leaders give rival visions for economic blocs
Kidnapped priest alive but unwell, says mission
Japan PM in no hurry on US base relocation deal
World solar car race begins in Australia
Nuclear energy becomes pivotal in climate debate
Taiwan president vows to press for China detente
The nation's weather
Scottish police 'reviewing Lockerbie bombing probe'
Reformatory's closing prompts reflection
Chinese ship collides with Belgian cargo vessel
Look at insurgent groups on Afghan-Pakistan border
Obama declares swine flu a national emergency
SKorean railway workers vote to strike
Global events mark magic number on climate change
China proposes Taiwan economic cooperation talks
Pilot who overshot airport denies crew was napping
Asian leaders' rival visions for economic blocs
JAL new state-backed agency restructuring: reports
S.Korea nuclear power unit resumes operation-Yonhap
China to keep yuan weak until crisis over: experts
Japanese automakers' hydrogen car drive
'Polygamy club' draws criticism in Indonesia
Strong quake hits eastern Indonesia, causes panic
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
HK investors see wine as good bet for capital growth
From Canada to Argentina, fans shake to "Thriller"
For Zimbabwe's deportees, shame at empty-handed return
Composer Lloyd Webber has prostate cancer: BBC | Entertainment |
Ex-Smiths singer Morrissey stable after collapsing on stage | Entertainment |
Singer Morrissey released from hospital
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01