JAKARTA (AP): Indonesian badminton officials have canceled an upcoming friendly match against Denmark, saying Thursday the country could not guarantee security at the game due to anger over cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad published in a Danish newspaper.

The men's singles and doubles matches were due to played on March 14 as part of preparations for the Thomas Cup, said Sulistiyanto, director of foreign relations with the Indonesia Badminton Association.

"The association made the decision on Wednesday to anticipate security problems in regards to the recent protests toward the prophet drawings," said Sulistiyanto.

Denmark this week urged its citizens in Indonesian to leave the country after days of protests, including one in which protesters briefly stoned one of its diplomatic missions.

The protests have largely been small and peaceful by Indonesian standards, however.

The drawings - including one depicting the prophet wearing a turban shaped as a bomb - have touched a nerve in part because Islam is interpreted to forbid any illustrations of the Prophet Muhammad for fear they could lead to idolatry. (**)

Sad to hear that. Hope this cartoon incident will get over soon :(

Well, it is sad to hear that. However, whoever decide to print the sketch must be pretty rude not to consider other people's feeling. Freedom of expression is one thing but it should not be used to insult others.
I hope everyone will learn to think before acting. It is a sad world.

Well, if Denmark players can't go to Indonesia, why can't the Indonesian players go to Denmark? Duhhhh......

This is sad to hear. :( I don't think Indonesia would want to spend so much. They have budget on going overseas for friendly games.

Hi,
It is always unfortunately to see unforseen events such as this affecting the status of badminton. :( These are sensitive issues where freedom of speech will definitely affect the others. Tolerance, understanding are vital in fostering a harmonious community.:) We are all human, act with resposibility be wiser.;)
Matrix:D

Well, if Denmark players can't go to Indonesia, why can't the Indonesian players go to Denmark? Duhhhh......

What will happen to them when they return to Indonesia? Who is to guarantee that the media will not give unusual publicity to their visit? I think they are wise to let things cool down a bit first.

it is wrong to ridicule the Prophet but it's also worng to violently protest about it.

The whole situation is just... wrong.

i heard on the news some friendly match between Denmark and Indonesia was cancelled, due to the recent issue over the cartoons of prophet muhammed...some indonesian minister said they were unable to guarantee the safety of the Danish players.

it was a match preparing the players for thomas cup. so is denmark gonna be somewhat affected in this year's tournaments?

It's a pitty sports has to suffer from polictics...

Heard a joke the other day:
"they made a mistake on the Danish cartoons, in the one where muhammed had a bomb for a turban,


they made the fuse too long"
"to be short-fused" is a saying in our land..bad joke though..