Religious freedom and tolerance are the cornerstones of any democratic society. There is simply no room in an open society for discrimination based on faith.
In Indonesia, our pluralistic societal values enshrine religious freedom and tolerance in both the state ideology and the national Constitution.
It is thus highly disturbing to see religious minority groups being attacked by mobs for practicing their faith. Over the weekend, there were three separate attacks on Christian groups in Bekasi and Bogor.
The reasons behind them are not clear but such attacks must be condemned.
Any act of religious or ethnic discrimination has no place in a civilized society. Indonesia has the world’s largest Muslim population and 90 percent of Indonesians are Muslims, but throughout its history, other religions have played a central role in shaping our culture and values.
The nation is made stronger by the contributions of all groups, large and small.
It is no coincidence, for example, that Indonesia is the site of the world’s largest Buddhist monument, the historic temple of Borobudur, which is a symbol of our vibrant multicultural past and present.
The country is also home to hundreds, even thousands, of churches and temples. Bali has the largest Hindu community outside India, demonstrating that despite its overwhelming Muslim population, Indonesia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious society.
The authorities that allow attacks on religious minorities must be taken to task. Every Indonesian has equal rights to protection from harm under the law. They have the right to protect their property and to feel secure.
Once this sense of security is violated, the whole society has failed to ensure the rights of its citizens.
The attacks over the weekend are sadly not the first — nor will they be the last if the police and other state institutions refuse to act. The perpetrators must be apprehended and questioned.
If they have violated the law, they must be brought to justice.
It is critical that violence in any form is condemned and acted upon by the authorities if Indonesia is to be a nation that is governed by the rule of law.
There can be no place in our society for mob violence, especially if it is targeted at innocent and vulnerable members of our society.
We cannot afford as a society to be held hostage by minority fringe groups that use the shield of membership in the majority religion to discriminate against or attack members of other religions.
We must not allow such acts of violence to go unpunished by authorities whose duty it is to uphold the law.
Indonesians by and large are tolerant and accepting of minority groups. It is a point of pride for all of us. We must not allow radical groups to disturb our unity even if we practice different faiths.
And importantly, religion and politics must remain separate so as not to allow politicians to use religion to inflame emotions.
Source : http://www.thejakartaglobe.com
