Right to worship

Right to worship

From Forum Keadilan

Our intention to visit a number of musholla (small building set aside for worship) during Ramadhan near our madrasah (institution of learning) was not allowed by Abdurrahman, the Timanggajah district head in Central Aceh. He said that one of our lecturers, Maulida, was a United Development Party activist and its district treasurer. However, he teaches at another of our institutions. The district head would only permit our visits if Maulida resigned from the party in writing. That was not possible, so we canceled the program of the Ramadhan visits.

I appeal for justice in this country that bases itself on Pancasila, which is said to give precedence to unity. I am convinced that citizens, including citizens such as Maulida, have the right to address the community. Does the Timanggajah district head have special rights? Or should we close the school while he is in charge just because one of the teachers is a member of a political party?

SALMAN AMIN

Timanggajah, Aceh