Fearing for his wife, Maya, and their three children, Dhani moved them into a hotel.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Yet Dhani's message is arguably far more powerful -- and meaningful -- than those Western rockers' ditties.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Despite appearances, Dhani, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, is a very different kind of rock superstar.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani explains that he tucks messages of tolerance and peace beside Western, straight rock beats and halting, syncopated Arabic rhythms.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
As we crawled through traffic, one of Dhani's troupe reminded me that Dhani isn't the first to have this calling.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
So explained Dhani, the pony-tailed, baby-faced founder of one of Indonesia's most popular rock 'n' roll bands, Dewa, on a recent afternoon here.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani laughed again when I asked him if the story of Siti Jenar's death is true, and if he's been compared to the prophet.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
In the notes for his latest album, Dhani thanks Syekh Lemah Abang ("Reddish-brown earth") -- a reference to the town where Siti Jenar once lived.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani sings about religious freedom, weaving in Quranic references easily recognizable to Dewa's primary audiences in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, and neighboring Malaysia.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Blasting a track from the group's latest album, "Republic of Love, " Dhani explained how his faith, Sufism -- a mystic, tolerant form of Islam -- informs his music.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Crammed into the back seat of his minivan while Dhani lounges upfront, I struggled to scribble down his words, barely audible as the booming bass shook the seats.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani has responded not only through his music, but by joining a small -- but growing -- group of religious moderates who are trying to educate Indonesians about tolerant forms of Islam.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani, 34, is an unlikely proselytizer for peace.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
In a neat historical parallel, Dhani's savior and mentor, Mr. Wahid, is a direct descendant of Siti Jenar, a 16th-century Sufi prophet who also preached tolerance in the face of a militant Islamic group in Java.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Dhani seems unperturbed by his mission.
CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Indonesian rocks the cradle of Islamofascism
Hosted by Eagles linebacker Dhani Jones, it takes us on a trip of "unique and out-of-the-ordinary" sports stories from across the U.S. Also making its first appearance tonight is Brokeback Mountain on HBO, but we'll probably opt for Battlefield Earth on Cinemax.
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