'Tolerance among believers is better now'<\/p>\n
The government has banned the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation
\n(JAI) from conducting any activities, although debate is
\ncontinuing over whether the group's teachings run counter to
\nIslam. The policy has raised the issue on freedom of religion.
\nThe Jakarta Post asked residents their thoughts about the issue.<\/p>\n
Fetty Fajriati, 35, is a public relations manager at the
\nHabibie Center. She lives in South Jakarta:<\/p>\n
After the reform in 1998, I think people have more freedom to
\nexpress their beliefs in various forms.<\/p>\n
I noticed that more women are wearing head scarfs. Now they
\nhave the freedom to be themselves, no longer afraid of being
\naccused of being fundamentalists as in the past.<\/p>\n
Other expressions of religious freedom can also be seen in TV
\nprograms that have Islamic themes. These programs, for example,
\nthat feature Arabic songs and music, convey a religious message.<\/p>\n
And I think many public figures, intellectuals, and even
\npolitical observers are now more open to expressing their
\nreligious identities through their statements in public.<\/p>\n
As far as I am concerned, nowadays people have more freedom to
\nexpress their beliefs in various ways. Years ago, religious
\nteachings could only be delivered in mosques, churches and
\nschools. But, now they can be seen in TV programs, fashion, and
\nthe life of public figures.<\/p>\n
I also think that religious tolerance among believers is
\nbetter now. If we do find religious conflicts, such as in Poso
\nand Ambon, we know that politics is involved in the issue.<\/p>\n
Fendy Halim, 30, is a contractor for an interior design
\ncompany. He lives in Central Jakarta:<\/p>\n
I personally have never had any problem in practicing my
\nprayers. No one bothers me as I pray in a Buddhist monastery. So
\nfar, none of the Buddhist ceremonies that I have attended have
\nbeen disrupted.<\/p>\n
However, I sometimes feel that discrimination is still out
\nthere. For example, if we would like to hold a celebration other
\nthan a ritual ceremony, we have to deal with officials for
\npermits. We often have to give bribes to facilitate the process.<\/p>\n
I don't see any discrimination against my religious practices
\nbut problems usually occur when it comes to issue of ethnicity.<\/p>\n
-- The Jakarta Post<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/tolerance-among-believers-is-better-now-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }