Jakarta (Pinmas)—Setara Institute Director Hendardi, along with Benny Susetyo, paid a courtesy visit to the office of Minister of Religious Affairs Lukman Hakim Saifuddin (LHS) on Monday (Nov. 10). During the discussion, Hendardi presented several proposals regarding the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ plan to draft a bill on the protection of religious communities. These proposals are based on the results of studies conducted by the Setara Institute and published in several books.
“Setara put forward several proposals regarding the bill, based on the results of their study,” said Minister of Religious Affairs LHS when asked about the outcome of his meeting with the Setara Institute.
In addition, the Setara Institute also aims to assess the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ efforts to address the process of deradicalization carried out in the name of religious ideology. Regarding this, the Minister of Religious Affairs explained two points. First, the ministry he leads is currently implementing a deradicalization program through Islamic boarding schools by fostering constitutional awareness.
“Second, the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ efforts to initiate the drafting of a bill on the Protection of Religious Communities. They also appreciated that,” he said.
The Minister of Religious Affairs explained that the core of the bill currently being drafted by the Ministry of Religious Affairs is to provide protection to every citizen in two areas, as mandated by the Constitution. First, regarding the freedom to embrace a religion. Second, the freedom to practice the teachings of one’s chosen religion. “These are the two areas that the Constitution mandates the government and the House of Representatives to implement,” he explained. (mkd/mkd)