Jakarta, IO – The government will not scrap the joint ministerial decree (SKB) between the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Home Ministry on the construction of house of worship despite many viewing it as discriminatory. It stipulates that construction of a house of worship must be approved by 90 members of the congregation and 60 non-members.
“If we evaluate a regulation, it must be based on aim to create order. Today we haven’t arrived at that conclusion,” said Home Ministry Secretary General Suhajar Diantoro, reported CNN Indonesia, Tuesday (28/2).
Suhajar said the government remains committed to protecting the right to religious freedom as it is the mandates of the constitution that the government protect all the people of Indonesia.
Although he did not provide detail on concrete steps the government will take, Suhajar has repeatedly said that all parties have the responsibility to fulfill this right.
“Everyone must be protected, including their right to worship. Conflicts on the ground must be managed and resolved by all of us together, including the press,” he said.
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President Joko Widodo previously highlighted the dispersal of worship activities and the ban on construction of houses of worship. He reminded all parties that the constitution guarantees this right.
In response to Jokowi’s statement, a number of parties urged the government to revoke the SKB. (un)