Catholic Graduates Association Urges State to Guarantee Religious Freedom

The Central Board of the Indonesian Catholic Graduates Association (PP ISKA) is urging the state to guarantee the protection of religious freedom and beliefs following allegations of violence against residents of the Padepokan Saung Taraju Jumantara in Tasikmalaya. The organisation assesses that the incident wounds the spirit of harmony and diversity in Indonesia.

In a written statement received on Friday, 8 May 2026, Restu Hapsari, Presidium of the Interfaith and Belief Relations Dialogue of PP ISKA, expressed deep concern over the incident that befell the residents of Padepokan Saung Taraju Jumantara on 7 April 2026.

“Destructive actions against physical spaces and the imposition of will on citizens’ inner beliefs not only wound the spirit of harmony,” said Restu.

According to her, the spirituality practice known as syncretism, allegedly practised by the padepokan residents, is part of the cultural wealth of the Archipelago. Restu described efforts to preserve ancestral traditions such as the Pikukuh Sunda teachings alongside the practice of religious sharia as a form of inculturation that has taken place for hundreds of years in Indonesia.

“Stigmatisation and unilateral judgement against citizens’ expressions of spirituality have no place in a civilised and rational society,” she stated.

PP ISKA assesses that the series of threats and violence against the padepokan residents is inseparable from the lack of diversity literacy and past social trauma. The organisation also referenced Constitutional Court Decision Number 97/PUU-XIV/2016, which it believes should serve as the basis for protecting all citizens without discrimination based on beliefs.

“The state must not allow residents in remote villages to live in the shadow of fear just because they choose to live their spiritual traditions,” said Restu.

PP ISKA also calls on law enforcement authorities to act firmly and wisely to prevent neglect of belief-based violence cases. The organisation invites society and interfaith figures to prioritise dialogue over confrontation in addressing differences in beliefs.

“Our nationality will remain strong only if we are able to maintain a safe living space for every soul to grow according to their beliefs, in order to realise a more humane and dignified Indonesia,” said Restu.