No coercion in

No coercion in religious education

From Kompas

The polemics about the national education bill particularly centers on the draft from the House of Representatives and that from the Ministry of National Education. Both basically imply that every student has the right to receive religious education according to their faith. So the substance is the right and is not an obligation.

Consequently, the exercise of this right is left up to the student concerned and his or her parents. It is up to them to use this right or not. If they have no intention to do so, there should not be any compulsion. Conversely, if they wish to do so, there should not be any preclusion.

Any coercion in the exercise of a right amounts to preclusion. Both are in violation of human rights. Therefore, the substance of the two drafts is right, but their elucidations should have detailed descriptions to avoid crucial matters that can disrupt the atmosphere of harmony among believers as well as national unity and integrity.

Let us respect other people's rights instead of forcing our will on others. Only by so doing can we be mature as a nation.

BAMBANG S. Yogyakarta