Indonesia has the largest Muslim population of any country in the world, with approximately 202.9 million people identifying themselves as Muslim, or 87.2% of the total population in 2011. Their month-long celebration of Ramadan, however, is mainstream– vaguely similar to Christians’ Lent.
So is the ubiquitousness of Islam in Indonesia really reason for Americans living in the country to move their celebration of Independence Day — a decidedly secular holiday — to June 4 so as not to conflict with Ramadan? The folks at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta seem to think so:
The United States Embassy enjoyed its annual 4th of July celebration on Thursday, June 4, one month early, in order to respect the upcoming Ramadhan month, which will begin on June 17 and last for one month.
US Ambassador to Indonesia Robert O. Blake and US Ambassador to ASEAN Nina Hachigian presided over the festivities, which involved brass band renditions of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Indonesian national anthem, Indonesia Raya.
Blake explained that the theme of the event leaned toward “green” development, which supported the US’ focus on building and promoting a green economy and more environmentally sustainable development.
He also praised Indonesia’s performance as a fully functioning democracy, aiming for further collaboration between the two countries in the years to come.
“The US will continue to support Indonesia in the future through its democratic achievements. Democracy is an American value which we have championed since [the country’s birth in] 1776,” Blake told the crowd during the festivities at his residence near Taman Suropati, Central Jakarta, on Thursday.
As American Thinker’s Thomas Lifson writes:
If you think any Islamic countries – there are 57 of them (not counting ISIS) that count themselves officially Islamic – will move their DC embassy’s celebration of Ramadan to accommodate our Independence holiday, I have some bridges to sell you.
The irony of the U.S. Embassy’s decision to move its completely secular Independence Day celebration out of respect for a Muslim holiday is astounding. The separation of church and state was so important to America’s Founding Fathers that they made it law in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution — the very document, in case you’ve forgotten, that Independence Day is meant to commemorate.
What do you think: Sensitive or stupid? Leave your answer in the comments below!
