Indonesia, Protect Religious Minorities!
- by: Brittany E.G.
- recipient: Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
The Indonesian government, in particular the President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, isn't doing what it should to protect religious minorities from discrimination and attacks. The President should respond in a more appropriate manner and implement a zero tolerance policy.
There has been an increase in attacks, with 264 happening just last year in 2012, and the attacks have gotten more hostile. Persons of authority often blame the victims, and most of the criminals don't receive any kind of punishment. Other officials act as enablers by discriminating themselves.
Blasphemy laws that only recognize 6 religions and worship center laws that give majorities more power worsen the situation as well. The president needs to stand up for religious freedom and make sure that government officials are not contributing to abuses already being committed against these groups. Please tell Indonesia to protect religious minorities!
Dear President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono,
Religious minorities are not being protected properly in Indonesia. 264 attacks on them and their places of worship happened in 2012 alone, with the attacks getting more dangerous as time goes on. Government officials have been blaming the victims and not persecuting the criminals, as well as being discriminatory themselves, trying to get congregations to leave or not giving them building permits, and harassing "blasphemers" from these religious communities.
This has a lot to do with laws that only recognize 6 religions and give majorities more power. It is time to stand up for religious freedom, make sure officials aren't contributing to this intolerant climate, and protect religious minorities. Please adopt a zero tolerance policy and follow through with this.
Thank you for your time.
