'It's a consequence of being a minority'

The forcible closure of unlicensed Christian houses of worship in many towns and regions has once again put religious harmony under the spotlight. Critics demand the revocation of a regulation that requires the approval of the local community before a church can be opened. The Jakarta Post asked two Jakartans for their views on the issue.

Floureno Milla, 25, works at a construction firm in East Jakarta. She lives in Bekasi:

I still think that any religious institution that wants to establish a religious building, say a church, in a neighborhood must consult with local residents.

Let's put it this way, when you come to a new environment, you must adapt. That is the consequence of being a minority in this country.

Personally, I would not mind having any religious institutions in my neighborhood, as long as their activities do not cause any disturbance to our everyday life.

In the recent cases where locals forced churches to close, there must be something more political at work than mere intolerance. And for that matter, people must be careful not to be used or exploited by third parties.

Prapanca Arsyad, 37, is a lecturer at a state university in Depok. He lives in Kebon Kacang, Central Jakarta:

People have always politicized religious matters. It is kind of silly that we cannot have a religious gathering without asking for permits first. And we know how our bureaucratic system is. It could take more than a year to get one.

And meanwhile what? We cannot pray or conduct any communal religious activities.

It is just a matter of communicating with the locals and agreeing on the rules. Tolerance is all about mutual respect between the minority and the majority.

-- The Jakarta Post