The rejection by some residents of a female village head and a Protestant in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, is viewed as a form of intolerance and discrimination based on gender and religion.
This case of multiple layers of discrimination is seen as the second test for the Jokowi-Ahok ticket in addressing the issue of religious intolerance in Jakarta. Previously, in February 2013, a case of intolerance in Tambora, West Jakarta, had also not been properly resolved.
“Jokowi and Ahok must assert their position that governance is carried out in accordance with the Indonesian Constitution and applicable laws and regulations,” said Hendardi, Chairman of the Setara Institute, on Thursday (August 22).
Hendardi explained that every citizen has an equal right to hold certain public offices. If Jokowi were to accommodate residents’ intolerant demands, he argued, a similar “virus of intolerance” would inevitably spread to other regions.
It has been reported that the Jakarta Provincial Government will consider a request from residents of Lenteng Agung Village, South Jakarta, regarding their rejection of a non-Muslim village head, Susan Jasmine Zulkifli. This new village head was one of the candidates who passed the open bidding process for the village head selection held some time ago.
Author: Y-7/SIT
Source: Suara Pembaruan