News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Indonesia-Flags-main_article_image.jpg
World News

Christians in Indonesia fearful in face of intolerance

by Tola Mbakwe

The freedom of religion report followed a fact-finding visit by CSW to Indonesia in May 2017, shortly after the verdict was delivered in the blasphemy trial of the former governor of Jakarta.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, is a double minority as an ethnic Chinese Indonesian and a Christian. He was falsely charged with blasphemy during his re-election campaign.

The Christian charity has recommended to the Indonesian government to repeal blasphemy laws and to extend human rights education.

Representatives of CSW met with religious communities and civil society in Jakarta, West Java, Central Java and North Sumatra, including representatives from the Ahmadiyya and Christian communities, and Parmalim traditional religion.

Concerns raised included social hostility, the closure of places of worship, harassment and threats of violence toward religious minorities.

Benedict Rogers, CSW's East Asia Team Leader said: "The rise of religious intolerance and the climate of fear among religious minorities was palpable, and the tension in Indonesia following the imprisonment of Ahok was obvious."

According to CSW, Indonesia is a Muslim-majority nation and has a tradition of religious pluralism and prides itself on its reputation as a role-model of a moderate, tolerant and democratic Muslim-majority nation that protects freedom of religion or belief.

However, the report found this reputation "is being seriously undermined" by the rise of radical Islamism and its influence on politics and society in the country.

A representative of the Ahmadiyya community said: "Tell the world the truth. Our hope is that you remind the government of Indonesia that Indonesia is not an Islamic country.

"Remind our government that it is not a religious government. Remind our government to protect tolerance and pluralism as the basis for Indonesia. Our country is multi-ethnic and multi-religious."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate