Yati's film highlights one religion, different approaches

Malaysia shares many similarities with Indonesia. Both are Muslim majority countries. But probe deeper and one will find that both countries have starkly different approaches towards practising Islam.

That is the conclusion that can be drawn from Yati Kaprawi’s (left) latest film ‘Ulama Perempuan’, that was screened at the recently-concluded Freedom Film Festival in Kuala Lumpur.

Neighbouring Indonesia, it seems, shows a higher degree of religious tolerance.

“In Indonesia, as you can see in the documentary, the way they understand and practice Islam is more on the (basis) of compassion and in a more humanistic approach.

“(Whereas) in Malaysia it is more ideological,” said Yati while addressing festival-goers after the screening.

She said that in Malaysia, religion is institutionalised, whereas in Indonesia, religion is more of a communal affair.

‘Harmony in diversity’

During her one-year stint in Indonesia, Yati said she was exposed to scenes that were uncommon in Malaysia, such as dialogues between adherents of the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam and common burial sites for Muslims and non-Muslims, among others.

Yati also pointed out that spiritual teachers or ulama are more down to earth and warm in nature compared to some she has come across in Malaysia, whom she considers arrogant.

She strongly feels that Indonesia is living up to its status as a heterogenous and secular state that is not using the power of the state to enforce religion.

Her film also features footages of inter-faith dialogues as well as Muslims and Christians serenading one another with their respective religious songs, further supporting her position.

‘Ulama Perempuan’ is a 45-minute documentary on the role of female religious leaders in Indonesian society.

One group of female religious scholars were depicted reaching out to a group of sex workers by offering them comfort and moral support.

The women all hail from privileged and religious backgrounds, and the film documented their first encounter with sex workers. 

Gender equality

Though initially intimidated, the sex workers eventually warmed up to the group of scholars. Some turned over a new leaf by enrolling in religious classes, while others sought religious advice.

Yati said that gender equality has increasingly been well-received among Indonesia’s Islamic leaders over the past decade and the country on the way to reducing the gender gap.

Malaysia, said Yati, still lags behind in this regard.

“If Indonesia can do it, then hopefully Malaysia, too, will one day open a path for gender equality,” she said.

‘Ulama Perempuan’ was among four films screened on Saturday at the Freedom Film Festival, an annual event for independent filmmakers to screen their movies on human rights.

The event is organised by Pusat Komas and is supported by the Penang and Selangor state governments.