Indonesia’s religious and civil groups have criticised a proposal by Rycko Amelza Dahniel, who heads the nation’s National Counter Terrorism Agency (BNPT), to allow the government’s direct control and monitoring of places of worship in a bid to fight extremist ideologies. Many say that such policy could restrict religious freedom and would be against the country’s principles of democracy.
The head of the Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), Rev. Gomar Gultom, said Dahniel’s proposal only reveals “the government’s frustration for not being able to handle the radicalism problems” in the country. He insisted that the real problem was actually the government’s lack of firm actions against hate speeches that push the culture of violence further into society.
“Instead of approving the BNPT head’s proposal, I’d rather ask the government to take serious and firm actions against hate speeches, intolerant actions and acts of violence according to the laws,” said Gultom. “Another thing urgently needed to be done together by all elements of the nation is the cultivation of love for peace and love for humanity.” (Wong Kin Ang)
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