'It's a consequence of being a minority'<\/p>\n
The forcible closure of unlicensed Christian houses of worship in
\nmany towns and regions has once again put religious harmony under
\nthe spotlight. Critics demand the revocation of a regulation that
\nrequires the approval of the local community before a church can
\nbe opened. The Jakarta Post asked two Jakartans for their views
\non the issue.<\/p>\n
Floureno Milla, 25, works at a construction firm in East
\nJakarta. She lives in Bekasi:<\/p>\n
I still think that any religious institution that wants to
\nestablish a religious building, say a church, in a neighborhood
\nmust consult with local residents.<\/p>\n
Let's put it this way, when you come to a new environment, you
\nmust adapt. That is the consequence of being a minority in this
\ncountry.<\/p>\n
Personally, I would not mind having any religious institutions
\nin my neighborhood, as long as their activities do not cause any
\ndisturbance to our everyday life.<\/p>\n
In the recent cases where locals forced churches to close,
\nthere must be something more political at work than mere
\nintolerance. And for that matter, people must be careful not to
\nbe used or exploited by third parties.<\/p>\n
Prapanca Arsyad, 37, is a lecturer at a state university in
\nDepok. He lives in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
People have always politicized religious matters. It is kind of
\nsilly that we cannot have a religious gathering without asking
\nfor permits first. And we know how our bureaucratic system is. It
\ncould take more than a year to get one.<\/p>\n
And meanwhile what? We cannot pray or conduct any communal
\nreligious activities.<\/p>\n
It is just a matter of communicating with the locals and
\nagreeing on the rules. Tolerance is all about mutual respect
\nbetween the minority and the majority.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/its-a-consequence-of-being-a-minority-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }