Introduction
In recent years, Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, has witnessed an alarming surge in religious intolerance, particularly impacting the approx 30 million minority Christians.
The Horrific Attacks in Sulawesi
Lembantongoa Attack (November 27, 2020)
In Sulawesi's Lembantongoa village, Islamist terrorists led by Ali Kalora of the East Indonesia Mujahideen, targeted the Christian-majority community of the village. This devastating attack claimed the lives of the village elder, who was killed with a knife in front of his family, along with three other Christian farmers while a Salvation Army church and numerous homes were set ablaze. Approximately 750 villagers were forced to flee, leaving behind a community torn apart by violence.
Survivors revealed a gruesome scene where Kalora personally executed the village elder, accusing him of collaborating with the police. The East Indonesia Mujahideen's history of targeting both "non-Muslims" and Muslims who do not worship Allah highlights the urgency of addressing the spread of Islamic Jihad in Indonesian society.
In the past too, the group has targeted and killed numerous Christians and Hindus. The group also has local support and upon the deaths of group leaders, huge crowds turn up to mourn their deaths and brand them as martyrs.
Palu Bombings and Beheadings (New Year's Eve 2003 and October 2003)
The island of Sulawesi has a troubled history including bombings and beheadings. The 20 million inhabitants of the island are no stranger to acts of religious hatred and despite numerous attempts by the authorities, the situation on the island still remains volatile.
On New Year’s eve in 2003, a bomb detonated at a market in Palu, Central Sulawesi, which was predominantly inhabited by Christians, resulting in the loss of 8 lives and leaving 56 individuals injured. In May of the same year, a subsequent bombing occurred in a Christian village in Tentena, claiming the lives of 22 people and causing injuries to at least 74 others.
These among countless more incidents have left an indelible mark on the region, causing profound anguish among the Christian community. The beheadings, particularly, sent shockwaves globally, with the attackers leaving chilling notes threatening more violence against Christian youth.
Beheading of Children
Months following the New Year's Eve bombing in 2003, the Associated Press documented another horrifying incident in October involving the beheadings of three Christian teenagers. In the Poso district, six men launched an attack on four girls—Theresia Morangke (15), Alfita Poliwo (17), Yarni Sambue (15), and Noviana Malewa (15)—early in the morning as they were on their way to a Christian school. Tragically, the first three girls were beheaded, while Noviana Malewa sustained severe injuries to her face and neck but managed to survive the brutal assault.
Their heads were then barbarically wrapped in black plastic bags. Shockingly, one of the heads was discovered on the steps of a Kasiguncu village church, while the other two were left at a nearby police station. A note also was found in one of the bags, with a chilling message; "We will murder 100 more Christian teenagers, and their heads will be presented as presents." The attack depicted the mentality of the Jihadis who were so blinded in their hatred for Christians that they had resorted to killing innocent children.
Execution of Indonesian Catholics (2006)
In 2006, three Indonesian Catholics faced execution by firing squad in Palu, Sulawesi, accused of incitement to murder during riots. Amnesty International expressed concerns about the fairness of the trials, emphasizing the disturbing trend of state-sanctioned violence against religious minorities.
Indonesia's Religious Landscape
Despite Indonesia being 90 percent Muslim, recent efforts by the government to enforce religious freedom have encountered challenges. The attacks in Sulawesi prompted the deployment of military special forces to assist anti-terrorism units of the Local Police in pursuing the terrorists, reflecting the severity of the situation.
There are also multiple indications that there exist individuals who want to get rid of the current form of governance in Indonesia and establish an Islamic state that follows the Sharia Law.
Discriminatory Laws
Islam was introduced to Indonesia through the province of Aceh, situated on the northwest tip of Sumatra Island, during the 13th century. As of now, Aceh stands as the sole Indonesian province where Sharia law is enforced.
In October 2015, there was a wave of closures of Churches in the province along with the enactment of stringent requirements to open new ones; this has made it nearly impossible to construct new churches. Converts from Islam experience particularly intense pressure in this region to return to Islam.
Currently, two laws exist that potentially enable discrimination against non-Muslims, non-Sunni Muslims, and other minority religions: the Blasphemy Law of 1965 and the Religious Harmony Regulation of 2006. During the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who served from 2004 to 2014, the Blasphemy Law was reinforced, and the Religious Harmony Regulation was instituted. According to Andreas Harsono, a senior human rights researcher for the advocacy group Human Rights Watch (HRW), these two laws spawn numerous restrictive regulations, effectively granting the majority the power to veto decisions that may affect minority groups adversely.
The two key laws, the Blasphemy Law of 1965 and the Religious Harmony Regulation of 2006, have enabled discrimination against non-Muslims and minority Islamic sects. The Blasphemy Law explicitly protects only six religions; Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Confucianism. This fosters a misperception that Indonesia recognizes only these six which further fuels violence against religious minorities.
This has led to the closure of over 2,000 churches since the enactment of the Religious Harmony Regulation, disproportionately affecting Christian communities.
Perils for Christians
In recent years, Indonesia has witnessed a shift towards a more conservative Islamic character, placing Christians, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, under increased pressure. Individuals raised as Muslims who choose to embrace Christianity often encounter disapproval, significant pressure to revert to Islam, verbal abuse, and the possibility of social isolation.
In certain instances, families may withdraw all support, and married women might choose to keep their newfound faith a secret to avoid the threat of divorce from their husbands. Some women endure substantial psychological abuse, including death threats, for practicing Christianity. Among Christians, women who have converted from Islam face the most significant risks and pressures.
The Religious Harmony Regulation imposes stringent requirements for licensing houses of worship which consists of the place of worship being signed, supported, and approved by at least 150 local residents and local officials, resulting in closures and limiting the construction of new churches.
International Response
The escalating religious intolerance in Indonesia has garnered international attention. Concerns have been expressed by the United States, Australia, Japan, European nations, and many Latin American countries. Even middle eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar have demanded change highlighting the urgency of addressing the growing religious intolerance and extremism in the country.
The U.S. State Department released a 30-page human rights report addressing religious freedom issues in Indonesia. Additionally, the United States has allocated over $40 million to support Indonesia in fostering religious tolerance. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta collaborates with human rights organizations, government officials, universities, and research institutions to advance the cause of tolerance.
In 2018, despite international calls, the Indonesian Constitutional Court rejected a request to abolish the Blasphemy Law, which goes to show how even the State has played a role in allowing religious extremism to slowly seep into the Indonesian society.
Calls for Solidarity
As Indonesia grapples with these complex issues, it is crucial to empathize with Christians and other religious minorities who face discrimination and violence. The world must stand united in solidarity against religious intolerance, advocating for the fundamental right to practice one's faith without fear.
In the face of these challenges, global awareness and concerted efforts to address Islamic extremism is crucial. The international community's continued engagement, along with the commitment of the Indonesian government, will play a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and tolerant future for all of Indonesia's diverse religious communities.
The stakes are high, and the world must stand united against the forces that seek to undermine the fundamental right to religious freedom. Only through collective action and a steadfast commitment to tolerance can Indonesia overcome these challenges and build a society where diversity is celebrated and all citizens can practice their faith without fear.
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