Right to Worship Still Under Threat, Watchdog Warns

February 3, 2010

Author: Nurfika Osman

Source: The Jakarta Globe

http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/home/right-to-worship-still-under-threat-watchdog-warns/356616

In another blow to Indonesia’s drive for religious tolerance, a report released on Wednesday said 200 violations against freedom of worship were filed with state agencies in 2009, involving 139 cases. 

Hendardi, the chairman of the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace, said the violations occurred because of the country’s poor efforts in upholding religious freedom. 

“The 1945 Constitution [Article 28 A paragraph 2] guarantees freedom of religion or belief … yet these rights are seriously neglected and not enforced as the violations continue to occur,” Hendardi said. “The government is half-hearted in upholding the right to worship.”