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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Setara Institute recorded 97 blasphemy cases in Indonesia throughout 1965-2017, including the latest case that involved former Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok. Surprisingly, most of these cases occurred in the post-reformation era. “Interestingly, the blasphemy cases increase during the information age,” said Setara Institute researcher Halili on Thursday, May 11. Halili further explained ... Read More »

ACTIVISTS SAY GROWING USE OF LAW CURBS FREE SPEECH AND OFTEN TARGETS MINORITIES Indonesia is facing renewed calls to repeal its controversial blasphemy law after the jailing of Jakarta’s Christian governor, with critics pointing to a sharp increase in its use to target minorities. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama—known by his nickname Ahok—was jailed for two years on Tuesday for blasphemy over ... Read More »

Poor record: Setara Institute researchers Achmad Fanani (left) and Bonar Tigor Naipospos present a study on Indonesia’s human rights index during a press conference in Jakarta on Monday. Their research suggests Indonesia is experiencing a decline in the religious freedom and freedom of speech categories.(JP/Wendra Ajistyatama) The state of freedom in the country has fallen to a new low with ... Read More »

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Bonar Tigor Naipospos, Deputy Chairman of Indonesian think tank Setara Institute, asserted that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo had committed human rights violation in relation to the alleged religious blasphemy committed by non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. Bonar stated that in human rights perspective, a country – represented by its government – has the obligation to protect ... Read More »

Cases of religious intolerance could increase in Indonesia amid Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama’s blasphemy trial and ahead of Christmas celebrations. Setara Institute research director Ismail Hasani said intolerant groups had grown more confident after a large-scale rally against Ahok in the National Monument (Monas) area, Central Jakarta, on Dec. 2. “And it’s now heading toward Christmas,” Ismail told ... Read More »