In a bold move, Indonesia’s Catholic human rights minister, Natalius Pigai, has advocated for a dedicated religious freedom law aimed at ending discrimination against religious minorities within the predominantly Muslim nation. Pigai, a former commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission, emphasised that this legislation is crucial for guaranteeing citizens’ fundamental rights to practice their faith unimpeded.
Currently in the discussion phase, the proposed law seeks to protect and uphold religious freedoms across all sectors of society. This initiative arrives shortly after Indonesia’s classification as a “flawed democracy” by The Economist Intelligence Unit, reflecting the urgent need for improvement.
Pigai envisions a law that addresses the concerns of all religious groups, even those not formally recognised by the state, including the six major religions. He reiterated, “All citizens have the right to freedom of religion and to practice their beliefs without fear,” underscoring the importance of this legislation for societal harmony.
The proposal has garnered support from Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia’s largest moderate Muslim organisation, which boasts around 80 million members. Its chairman, Yahya Cholil Staquf, asserted that reducing inter-religious conflicts at the grassroots level is essential for progress.
Commenting on the proposal, Bonar Tigor Naipospos from the Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace argued that citizens should have the liberty to choose and practice their religion freely. He insisted that the law should focus on “freedom of religion” rather than mere “religious harmony,” stating that genuine harmony cannot exist without guaranteed freedoms.
In contrast, some lawmakers, including a member known only as Mafirion, have expressed scepticism towards the minister’s proposal. He pointed out that the 1945 Constitution already guarantees religious freedom and questioned the effectiveness of a new law in preventing violations.
Natalius Pigai, Indonesia’s Catholic human rights minister, proposed a religious freedom law to combat discrimination against minority groups in a predominantly Muslim society. This initiative, now under discussion, aims to enhance citizens’ rights and address grievances across all religions. However, some lawmakers question the need for this law, citing existing constitutional protections.
The proposal for a religious freedom law in Indonesia marks a significant step towards addressing the discrimination faced by minority religious groups. By assuring protection for all faiths and fostering dialogue among diverse beliefs, this initiative seeks to enhance the country’s democratic values. However, challenges remain, as some invoke existing constitutional guarantees while others advocate for clearer mandates to ensure these freedoms are upheld.
Original Source: cathnews.com
