Indonesia: Ahmadiyah Has Not Gained Freedom of Religion

“Minority groups have still experienced the violence. On the other side, the State has not done its roles. The freedom of religion is supposed to be applied for a better life.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | Int'l Desk
Source/Credit: VHR Media | Radio
By Kurniawan Tri Yunanto / Rosmi Julitasari
Posted: August 18, 2011

VHRmedia, Jakarta – Many groups in Indonesia cannot celebrate the 66th Independence Day, Wednesday (17/8). Among them is Ahmadiyah congregation, as the minority group has experienced violence and discrimination until now.

One of Ahmadiyah leaders, Ahmad Hidayat explained that the country’s founding fathers had struggled for the independence. That is the reason why the Indonesian people must feel grateful for it. “But the reality is totally different. Minority groups are not free to conduct their activities,” said Ahmad on Wednesday (17/8).


Ahmad is one of Ahmadiyah’s leaders who live at Cikeusik. The village was attacked by a hard-line Islamic group last year. He explained that no more violence has happened at the village after the attack. “Police comes here in every week or two weeks. They said that the police will guard this village during the Lebaran,” Ahmad explained.

Ahmad added that the congregation has not fully possessed the freedom of religion. Members of Ahmadiyah who live at other areas of this country still get violence. Last Sunday, members of the Islamic Defenders Front attacked the mosque of Ahmadiyah. “Minority groups have still experienced the violence. On the other side, the State has not done its roles. The freedom of religion is supposed to be applied for a better life,” said Ahmad firmly. (E3)

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