'It's a consequence of being a minority'

'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