Data from the Setara Institute’s research over the past 8 (eight) years shows a consolidation of intolerant actors. The perpetrators of intolerance, discrimination, and violence have, in fact, remained relatively the same, although in some cases they have merely changed their guise. This indicates that they are indeed untouchable, or that the state simply does not want to take action against them. The state is often absent in cases of violations of freedom of religion or belief committed by intolerant actors.
In reality, no grand or sophisticated agenda is needed to resolve this issue. The state is simply required to exercise one of its “regular” powers and authorities: law enforcement. Freedom of association, assembly, thought, and expression are fundamental rights of every individual. However, if these rights are exercised in ways that violate the law and involve systematic violence, then the state must intervene. Thus, the Jokowi administration is simply required to carry out its conventional law enforcement functions against these intolerant actors.
For the full report, please download the 2014 Report on the State of Freedom of Religion and Belief in Indonesia