Margareth Aritonang, Jakarta – Former vice president Jusuf Kalla warned that forced conversion imposed on members of the Shia community in Sampang, East Java during the reconciliation process was unconstitutional.

Kalla, who also chairs the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI) also called for a review on the ongoing mediation process as the reconciliation process reportedly involved forced conversion of the Shiites.

"That is not reconciliation. Reconciliation will equally guarantee the rights of conflicting groups. And it is definitely free from imposition of the will [of the majority group]," Kalla told reporters on the sideline of an Idul Fitri open house event at his residence in South Jakarta on Friday.

He emphasized that whoever imposes conversion on the Shiites is violating the rights to freely exercise religious belief. "The [central and regional] government must take all measures to safely return them [the Shiites] to their village without converting them," said Kalla.

Sampang Shiite Spokesperson Hertasning Ichlas previously testified that the Sampang local administration had forced the Shiites to sign an agreement of nine points, which included their willingness to return to "the true teaching of Islam" as well as to condemning of the teachings of Shiite cleric Tajul Muluk, who is currently imprisoned over blasphemy.

According to Hertasning, several members of the Sampang Shia community had been asked to sign the agreement before Sampang Regent Fanan Hasib, who was nominated by the United Development Party (PPP), and Head of Sampang's Municipal Political and National Unity Office (Kesbangpol) Rudi Setiadi.(dic)