'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