National Human Rights Commission Gives Positive Notes, Ministry Of Religion Gives Reinforcement Regarding The Implementation Of Religious Freedom

JAKARTA - The Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) assesses that the Ministry of Religion (Kemenag) has strengthened the implementation of religious freedom in the country.

"Komnas HAM and the Ministry of Religion have a memorandum of understanding in the context of implementing human rights in relation to religious communities," said Komnas HAM Chairman Ahmad Taufan Damanik at the Komnas HAM year-end notes webinar in Jakarta, Antara, Tuesday, December 28.

In fact, he said, the two institutions had just held an international conference on Islam and human rights on December 10 and 11, 2021.

One of the objectives of the implementation of the international conference is so that existing religions can make a real contribution to the promotion and protection of human rights.

Nevertheless, Ahmad Taufan does not deny that hard work is still needed from all parties in the promotion and enforcement of human rights related to religious freedom and tolerance.

To this day, according to him, chaos or conflicts regarding religious freedom still often occur in the country.

The issue of intolerance and violent extremism has surfaced quite a lot throughout 2021. The most recent one is the case of the Ahmadiyah congregation in Sintang, West Kalimantan.

Not only that, but Ahmad also gave examples of other cases such as the establishment of churches, mosques, the establishment of the Imam Syafi'i Foundation in Jember, including other problems.

Ahmad Taufan also mentioned several incidents or events that prohibit the celebration of religious holidays in West Sumatra.

On the other hand, Komnas HAM together with related parties also made a breakthrough or promotion of human rights in terms of religious freedom. For example, laying the groundwork for the construction of the GKI Court Church in West Bogor.

"This case has not been resolved for a dozen years. When the foundation stone was laid, it was like an oasis to celebrate diversity," he said.

Komnas HAM was also involved in mediating efforts to establish a Baptist Church in Semarang, Central Java. Next year, Komnas HAM and the central and regional governments still have a lot of work to do in terms of religious freedom.