Setara Institute Commends Bandung and Tanah Laut for Tolerance Regulations

Setara Institute has identified progressive initiatives from regional governments across Indonesia aimed at strengthening tolerance. The institute characterised these efforts as positive developments.

“We have also identified progressive initiatives and positive efforts from regional governments to strengthen the ecosystem of tolerance at the grassroots level,” said Harkirtan Kaur, researcher on religious freedom and belief at Setara Institute, in the Menteng area of Central Jakarta on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Kaur cited the efforts of regional governments in Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan. In addition to Tanah Laut, Bandung City has also enacted regional regulations (perda) to enhance tolerance.

“In 2025, we identified Tanah Laut Regency Regional Regulation Number 1 of 2025 on the Implementation of Tolerance in Community Life, and another example is Bandung City Regional Regulation Number 13 of 2025 on the Implementation of Tolerance in Community Life,” she said.

On the same occasion, Halili Hasan, Executive Director of Setara Institute, stated that these regulations represent commendable efforts. Halili expressed hope that the initiatives undertaken by regional governments could also be adopted by the central government.

“Some of these regions have already launched many good initiatives that need to be aligned by the central government. Some cities in particular already have good regulations to promote tolerance and to guarantee the rights of minority groups,” said Halili.

Halili noted that cities with regulations on tolerance generally tend to have higher levels of tolerance.

“The two mentioned by Kirtan are just examples, but there are actually more. If we check the top 10 cities in the Tolerance City Index, generally they have good regulations,” he said.