Resolving the Controversy Over the Construction of Places of Worship (Indonesian)

This document is a Policy Brief numbered 2/SI/2019, published by the SETARA Institute, titled “Addressing the Controversy Over the Construction of Places of Worship”. This document specifically highlights the trend of attacks on places of worship in Indonesia—such as vandalism, arson, restrictions, closures, and sealings—which saw a significant resurgence in 2018 after previously showing a downward trend since 2010.

This policy brief examines the root causes of the problem, which often stem from Joint Ministerial Regulation (PBM) No. 9 and No. 8 of 2006 issued by the Minister of Religious Affairs and the Minister of Home Affairs. This document highlights the need to revise the regulations so that the basis for membership representation in the Forum for Interfaith Harmony (FKUB) is not solely based on the number of adherents, but rather on the principles of inclusivity and affirmative action for minority groups. As a solution, this document offers a structured matrix of policy recommendations for governments at the national, provincial, and regency/city levels to be implemented within short-, medium-, and long-term frameworks.