The Dissolution Of The Christian Student Retret In Sukabumi, Komnas HAM: Any Reason, Cannot Be Tolerated

JAKARTA - The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) has taken proactive steps to directly monitor the alleged disbandment of Christian or Christian student retreats accompanied by the destruction of prayer houses in Cidahu, Sukabumi, West Java.

"Komnas HAM will soon go to the field to collect a number of facts and information, and ask for information from a number of parties, hopefully in the near future to compile a recommendation," said Komnas HAM Chairman Anis Hidayah at his office, Jakarta, Wednesday, July 2, confiscated by Antara.

Anis said that so far no reports have been submitted regarding the incident. However, Komnas HAM regrets and condemns the disbandment action accompanied by the destruction because every citizen has the right to freedom of religion and belief.

"I don't think it can be justified or cannot be tolerated at all for any reason, whether permission or other administrative reasons for certain groups to attack one activity that is related (related, ed.) to religious activities," he said.

Based on initial information obtained by Komnas HAM, the religious activities of a group of Christian teenagers in Cidahu, Sukabumi were forcibly dispersed by a group of residents on Friday 27 June. There was also destruction of shelters, vehicles, and religious symbols, including crosses.

Komnas HAM stated that this action reflects intolerance between religious believers and is a threat to the life of diversity in Indonesia. All forms of persecution, intimidation, and violence against minority religious groups cannot be justified for any reason.

"This kind of intolerance action also contradicts the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika and Pancasila values," said Komnas HAM Enforcement Sub-Commission Coordinator Pramono Ubaid Tanthowi through an official broadcast.

For this reason, Komnas HAM asked law enforcement officials to act decisively in handling the case, including carrying out legal proceedings against the perpetrators.

Komnas HAM also encourages the Regional Government and the West Java Regional Police as well as religious leaders and community leaders in Sukabumi to build dialogue spaces between religious believers, strengthen tolerance education, and ensure that all citizens can carry out religious activities peacefully.

On the other hand, Komnas HAM opens communication with the parties to ensure that there is a restoration of rights for victims as well as prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.

"Komnas HAM calls on all Indonesian people to maintain the spirit of diversity, strengthen tolerance, and reject all forms of violence and discrimination based on religion and belief," said Pramono.