On religious instruction

On religious instruction

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