Pram Promises To Be Governor Of All Religions, PSI Asks For Strengthened Commitment With Tolerance Regulations

Block G DKI City Hall (Diah Ayu W/VOI)

JAKARTA - Member of the PSI faction of the DKI Jakarta DPRD Justin Adrian Untayana advised DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung to submit a proposal to form a regional regulation (perda) regarding tolerance.

Justin made the proposal in response to Pramono's statement confirming that he is the governor of all religions and asking the ranks of the DKI Provincial Government not to hinder the construction of houses of worship in the capital city.

"It would be nice if the governor, in this case Mas Pram, also initiated a perda of tolerance. This is important to strengthen the life of tolerance and harmony between religious believers in the capital city," Justin said in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday, November 19.

Justin assessed that the regulation would provide certainty for residents who face problems with licensing houses of worship and inter-religious relations issues.

He said there were still minority groups who had difficulty worshiping due to different interpretations of the rules in the field.

According to Justin, the regional regulation initiative by the executive will accelerate the discussion process because the mechanism is more concise than if proposed by the DPRD.

"Why do we encourage the Governor to do that? Because the process will be faster and more efficient than the mechanism for initiation by the legislature," he said.

He added that Jakarta needs a legal framework that protects religious practice equally, so it does not depend on the approach or leadership style of a governor who is in office.

Justin also highlighted the importance of ensuring that all religious people get equal public services.

"If the tax obligation is the same between us as citizens, then there are no rights that may be distinguished, including in religious activities," he said.

"As long as it cannot create equality, it may be better if taxes are discounted for residents who do not get freedom of worship. If the rights are less, then the obligations must also be lighter," he added.

Previously, DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung emphasized that his government guarantees religious freedom and worship activities of all citizens of the capital city. He emphasized that there should be no obstacles in the licensing process for the construction of houses of worship if all conditions have been met.

Pramono conveyed this when inaugurating the renovation of the Tanjung Priok Indonesian Christian Huria Church (HKI), North Jakarta, on Sunday, November 16.

"I have said many times, if I become governor, then I will be governor for all religions. And I do that consistently," said Pramono.

He admitted that he had given strict directions to his staff and the Religious Communication Forum (FKUB) so as not to delay licensing for the construction of houses of worship for administrative and non-administrative reasons.

"So with FKUB I have conveyed, it is no longer allowed if the requirements are complete, the construction of any house of worship is held back. It's no longer allowed," he said.