http://www.persecution.org/2011/03/15/icc-urges-religious-safeguards-in-indonesia/
ICC Urges Religious Safeguards in Indonesia
Posted by gestroud Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Washington, D.C. (March 14, 2011)-International Christian Concern (ICC) has
joined Indonesian Christians in calling for accountability for crimes against
Christians in Indonesia, as well as government action to permanently protect
this vulnerable religious community.
On March 4, 2011, ICC Regional Manager for SE Asia, Logan Maurer spoke on a
panel addressing religious persecution in Indonesia. The event, organized by
the Indonesian Christian Fellowship of Washington, DC, (ICFDC) was a conference
and candlelight vigil highlighting religious freedom and democracy in
Indonesia. The event was a response and discussion on the continuous religious
persecution that has been committed against minority groups in Indonesia.
In his remarks, Logan Maurer stated, "Churches throughout the Indonesia, along
with the Christians who worship there, have been attacked by fanatical Muslim
groups. These attacks have led to injuries sustained by Christians and damages
to many Christian properties, with little to no recourse from the local
authorities; it is an obvious failure to uphold the Indonesian Constitution."
Logan was referring to Chapter XI of the Constitution of Indonesia which
states, "The nation is based on belief in God, but the state guarantees
religious freedom for all."
"We do not yet have a clear picture of what sort of Indonesia is emerging,"
said Logan Maurer. "Recent events have shown a clear leaning toward Islamic
extremism. It is the role of the government to enforce rule-of-law and live up
to its own constitutional foundation of religious freedom."
NGO leaders, religious leaders, government officials, and citizens from
countries around the world participated in the ICFDC event and discussed ideas
on how Indonesia could move forward in protecting Christians without
compromising Indonesia's social stability.
The following conclusions were a result of the conference:
1.. The rising level of violence against religious minorities in Indonesia
undermines global democratic efforts and Indonesia's national interests.
2.. The Indonesian government should take serious action toward recent
attacks by arresting and punishing the perpetrators, justly and rightly, based
on the constitution and the written laws.
3.. The Indonesian legislature will prove to the international community its
commitment in resolving this issue by passing a clear law that protects
religious freedom and promotes programs that enhance tolerance and
understanding among different religious groups.
"This conference marks a solid step in the right direction: Indonesian
Christians organizing and calling for needed change to protect their legal and
religious rights. The next step is to pressure the Indonesian government to
take real action to show its commitment to human rights and democracy: clear
and definite laws are needed that guarantee religious harmony as promised by
the Indonesian Constitution," said Logan Maurer.
Please contact the Indonesian officials and politely ask them to protect the
vulnerable religious communities of Indonesia.
Indonesian Embassies: United States: (202)775-5200 | UK: (44-171) 499-7661 |
Germany: (0049-30) 478-070 | Australia: (61-02) 6250-8600
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