Jakarta – The South Kalimantan chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has proposed an edict banning the use of loudspeakers if they are considered to be disturbing other people, despite the fact they are used to broadcast the call to prayer five times each day, and some sermons.

MUI member Muhammad Noor, a lecturer at Antasari State Islamic Institute in the provincial capital Banjarmasin, told Antara on Monday that a group of MUI members, who attended a discussion in Tabalong regency recently, concluded that the use of deafening loudspeakers, albeit for good purposes, could spark disagreement between Muslims and non-Muslims due to the noise and discomfort caused.

Noor said the council suggested Muslims exercise their freedom of religion without violating the rights of other people.

Participants of the discussion agreed that the use of loudspeakers was aimed at propagating Islam, but its excessive application might be counterproductive.