Findings from the Setara Institute’s monitoring show that the level of discrimination in Indonesia is becoming increasingly alarming. Not only that, but the degree of intolerance is also assessed to be on the rise and is widely practiced by the general public.
Violations of freedom of religion or belief committed by non-state actors are almost always perpetrated by members of the public and carried out by small groups.
“These violations are generally committed by small but powerful groups. Why? Because there is no resistance from the communities being discriminated against,” said Setara Institute Deputy Director Bonar Tigor Naipospos during a press conference titled “Complete Stagnation” in Cikini, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (January 16, 2014).
Furthermore, Bonar added, the government is also seen as weak in addressing conflicts over religion or belief. Consequently, this creates an opportunity for intolerant groups.
The Setara Institute documented the state of freedom of religion and belief in Indonesia, noting 175 cases of violations of religious freedom or freedom of belief committed by citizens. These included 132 criminal cases, 39 cases of intolerance, and 4 cases of tacit condoning or acceptance of violations by community leaders.
The perpetrators of violations in the non-state actor category are individuals or groups affiliated with civil society organizations. According to the Setara Institute, the five groups most frequently responsible for violations are the general public, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), the Coalition of Islamic Mass Organizations, religious leaders, and the Islamic Community Forum (FUI). (Rmn/Sss)