Rights groups condemn intolerance in Indonesia

May 22, 2012: The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has urged the new district head of Bekasi in West Java to solve a long-running standoff between Christians and Muslims as Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) warned religious intolerance was on the rise in Indonesia.

In an open letter on Monday to Neneng Hasanah Yasin, who was installed as district head of Bekasi on May 14, Hong Kong-based AHRC said it was time to allow the Batak Society Christian Church (HKBP) of Philadelphia to worship freely in the predominantly Muslim area.

“We are writing this letter to bring your attention to the issue of freedom of religion in Bekasi, which the previous district head and local authorities failed to take action on in accordance with the law and human rights principles,” said Wong Kai Shing, AHRC’s executive director.

Last Thursday, a group of Muslims threw stones and urine at the Protestants as they tried to hold a service to celebrate Ascension Day at their half-built church.

Muslim leaders in the area say that the Protestant group’s application to build a place of worship in Jejalen Raya Village, which according to Indonesian law requires signed backing from residents, was fraudulent.

Indonesia faces a hearing of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review this week, a process under which the UN monitors human rights and repression in various countries.

“We urge UN member states to deliver some clear messages to Indonesia that its proud tradition of moderate Islam and pluralism is under threat,” said Andrew Johnston, CSW’s advocacy director.