'Revoke the ministerial decree!'<\/p>\n
Some Muslim hard-line groups have forced several Christian places
\nof worship to close on the grounds that they lack a permit. The
\nfact is that the prevailing regulations make it difficult for
\nminority groups to get permits for their places of worship as it
\nrequires approval from the majority of the residents in the area.
\nThe Jakarta Post interviewed some people to seek their thoughts
\non the issue.<\/p>\n
Ririn, 25, works at a bank on Jl. Gajah Mada, Central Jakarta.
\nShe lives in Petamburan subdistrict, also in Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
Although we have long campaigned for tolerance among different
\nreligions and faiths, there is still suspicion among us.<\/p>\n
The attacks by Muslim groups against premises used as houses
\nof worship of other religions is a clear indication of such
\nsuspicion and prejudice.<\/p>\n
Many Muslims fear that religious services in those houses in
\ntheir neighborhood would be followed by efforts to convert local
\nMuslims to Christianity.<\/p>\n
I think such suspicion still exists in our society. Therefore,
\ndialog among people of different faiths is important to ensure
\nthat people are free to perform their religious services.<\/p>\n
I agree that the joint ministerial decree on the establishment
\nof houses of worship should be revised. But I do not agree that
\nit should be annulled because it may worsen the conflict in
\nsociety.<\/p>\n
Hermanus, 35, is a manager at a private company on Jl.
\nSudirman. He lives in Bintaro Jaya housing complex, Tangerang:<\/p>\n
The joint ministerial decree on houses of worship is the
\nsource of the problem of attacks against churches and other
\nChristian houses of worship.<\/p>\n
Therefore, the government must revoke the decree.<\/p>\n
Because of the decree, people can easily prohibit others from
\nperforming religious services.<\/p>\n
I know that there are still problems of trust among believers
\nof different religions. So I think regular meetings among us in a
\nneighborhood may help to ease any friction that occurs because of
\nour differences.<\/p>\n
We hold such meetings here in my neighborhood, so I never find
\nany problem although I am a non-Muslim.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/revoke-the-ministerial-decree-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }