Indonesia: Political conspiracy perpetuates intolerance

Hard-line groups were not punished for attacking churches or damaging the property of other beliefs such as the Islamic sect Ahmadiyah. Many perpetrators were freed without charge; those who were taken to court had little to fear in what were shows to please the public.

File photo: Ahmadiyya rep explains the lack of rights at Setara conf.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |  Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: CathNewsAsia | Jakarta
By Konradus Epa | February 4, 2011

An escalation in violence, intolerance and discrimination against religious or minority groups, as reported by Indonesian human rights groups at the end of last year, showed just how fragile freedom of worship is in the country. (Konradus Epa, ucanews.com)

It is no longer a secret that a conspiracy within the political elite has perpetuated violent acts against freedom of faith and religious minorities –not only Christians – in the country.

Hard-line groups were not punished for attacking churches or damaging the property of other beliefs such as the Islamic sect Ahmadiyah. Many perpetrators were freed without charge; those who were taken to court had little to fear in what were shows to please the public. Yet the government and security forces were silent, and didn’t impose stricter sanctions against the aggressors.


The Wahid Institute reported 63 acts of violence against religious liberty last year – up from 35 cases in 2009. The institute also reported 133 cases of intolerance and discrimination in 13 regions.

The Setara Institute for Freedom and Democracy, meanwhile, reported 216 cases of religious freedom violations or acts of persecution in 2010.

-- Edited for confirmation

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