'Get to know local communities'

'Get to know local communities'

Some hard-line groups have closed down several Christian places
of worship on the grounds that they lack licenses. Although the
places in question did actually lack licenses, still the events
have once again raised concerns over religious tolerance here,
especially given that it is very difficult for minority groups to
get licenses for their places of worship. The Jakarta Post
interviewed some people to find out what they think about the
issue.

Septi Sustanti, 28, works for an education consultancy firm
in Kelapa Gading, and lives in Cempaka Baru, East Jakarta:

Personally, I think the problem lies in poor communications
with local communities.

Perhaps local communities think that they are not given due
respect as these minority groups do not ask for their permission
when building places of worship in their neighborhoods.

If these minority groups ask for permission from local
community members, I am sure these problems would be avoided. I
think it is essential to get permission from the local community
before one establishes a place of worship in a neighborhood.

While it may sound a little bid silly to ask for permission
from other people to build a place of worship, it is nevertheless
important for maintaining good relations with members of the
local community.

Annisa Hanum, 22, is a student at the University of Indonesia.
She lives in Petukangan Selatan, South Jakarta:

I don't have any objection to having different places of
worship in my neighborhood.

However, one should seek permission from the local community
unit before building a place of worship in the neighborhood.

Later on, the members of the congregation will need to conform
with local rules and mingle with the people from the neighborhood
so that the locals don't suspect them as being dangerous to the
community.

Moreover, it would be better if they conducted their
activities at a reasonable hour so as not to disturb others.

However, if the problems still persist after all of these
things have been done, then I would suspect that the problem has
something to do with politics.

--The Jakarta Post