Setara Institute: West Java Has Highest Religious Freedom Violation Cases

The Setara Institute has unveiled the five provinces with the highest rates of religion-based violence. West Java (Jabar) emerges as the province with the highest number of religion-based violence incidents, recording 56 cases of violence.

“West Java continues to occupy the top position for cases of violations of religious freedom and belief,” said Harkirtan Kaur, researcher on religious freedom and belief at Setara Institute, in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, on Tuesday (10 March 2026).

Kaur revealed the other provinces among the top five regarding religious freedom violations. Aceh ranks second with 23 incidents.

“Aceh follows in second position with 23 incidents, followed by East Java with 18 incidents, Central Java with 13 incidents, and DKI Jakarta with 12 incidents,” she said.

The Setara Institute notes that intolerance remains high in West Java. According to Kaur, there are still a number of intolerant groups perpetuating majoritarianism.

“Intolerance incidents occur at the grassroots community level, where intolerant groups continue to attempt to perpetuate majoritarian practices,” she said.

This situation, according to her, restricts the religious freedom of minority citizens. Minority residents also face difficulties in expressing their religion.

“And it restricts or limits the space or freedom of minority friends to express themselves,” she said.