INDONESIA: BLASPHEMY LAW STILL NEEDED, RELIGIOUS MINISTER

Suryadharma argued that if the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the review, it would open the way for unlimited freedoms of religion, leading to the foundation of various religious sects.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff |
Source & Credit:The Jakarta Post | National
January 31, 2010

Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali said Sunday that Indonesia was still in need of the blasphemy law in order to main harmony among religious followers, especially among Muslims.

Speaking in Medan, Suryadharma said Islam was open for different interpretations to its teachings, but not to its core issues.

Although the law was created in 1965, the minister said, it was still relevant for pluralistic Indonesia.

"In short, this blasphemy law is still needed and still very relevant for our very pluralistic society," he said.

A coalition of human rights watchdogs and civil society groups are seeking a review of the 1965 law, which they say restricts the freedom of religion in Indonesia. The Constitutional Court began its hearing last Wednesday.

Suryadharma argued that if the Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the review, it would open the way for unlimited freedoms of religion, leading to the foundation of various religious sects.

"None of us want the current peace and harmony among religious followers to be disrupted by various unwanted religious sects. If that happens it would jeopardize national stability," he said.

Read here: Blasphemy law still needed: Minister