U.S.
Department of State Human Rights Report 1998
The Constitution provides
for religious freedom for members of five accepted religions and belief
in one supreme god. The Government recognizes Islam, Catholicism,
Protestantism, Buddhism, and Hinduism and permits the practice of
the mystical, traditional beliefs of "Aliran Kepercayaan."
Although the population is over 85 percent Muslim, the practice and
teachings of the other recognized religions generally are respected,
and the Government actively promotes mutual tolerance and harmony
among them. However, some restrictions on certain types of religious
activity, including unrecognized religions, exist.
Because the first tenet of Pancasila is belief in one Supreme God,
atheism is forbidden. Although individuals are not compelled to practice
any particular faith, all citizens must choose one of the five officially
recognized religions. As this choice must be noted on official documents,
such as the identification card, failure to identify a religion can
make it impossible to obtain such documents. The legal requirement
to adhere to Pancasila extends to all religious and secular organizations.
The Government strongly opposes Muslim groups that advocate establishing
an Islamic state or acknowledging only Islamic law. The Government
banned some religions, including Jehovah's Witnesses, Baha'i, Confucianism,
and in some provinces the messianic Islamic sect Darul Arqam. The
Government closely monitors Islamic sects considered in danger of
deviating from orthodox tenets, and in the past on occasion it has
dissolved such groups.
High-level officials continued to make public statements and emphasize
by example the importance of respect for religious diversity. However,
lower level officials frequently were alleged to be reluctant to facilitate
and protect the rights of religious minorities. Minority houses of
worship particularly have been targeted for damage or destruction
during riots (see Section 5). Attacks against minority houses of worship
and the lack of an effective government response to punish perpetrators
and prevent further attacks led to allegations of official complicity
in some of the incidents.
A 1969 regulation dictates that before a house of worship can be built,
agreement must be obtained from local residents living near the site
and a license must be obtained from the regional office of the Ministry
of Religion. Some Christians claim that this regulation is being used
to discriminate against them and to prevent them from building churches.
Despite the problems, the building of churches continues.
The law allows conversion between faiths, and such conversions occur.
Independent observers note that interfaith marriage between Muslims
and non-Muslims have become increasingly difficult. People from religions
outside the five accepted religions have difficulty having their marriage
officially recognized. There was one prominent case of a Confucian
couple that was prohibited from getting married.
The Government views proselytizing by recognized religions in areas
heavily dominated by another recognized religion as potentially disruptive
and discourages it. Foreign missionary activities are relatively unimpeded,
although in East Timor, Irian Jaya, and occasionally elsewhere missionaries
have experienced difficulties and delays in renewing residence permits,
and visas allowing the entrance of new foreign clergy are difficult
to obtain. Laws and decrees from the 1970's limit the number of years
that foreign missionaries can spend in Indonesia, with some extensions
granted in remote areas like Irian Jaya. Foreign missionary work is
subject to the funding stipulations of the ORMAS law. Citizens practicing
the recognized religions maintain active links with coreligionists
inside and outside the country and travel abroad for religious gatherings.
Source: Country Reports
on Human Rights Practices for 1998, U.S. Department of State.
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