Emphasize That Freedom Of Worship In Indonesia Is Guaranteed By Constitution, Jokowi: Must Be Understood!

President Jokowi at the Protestant Church in western Indonesia (GPIB) Zebaoth Bogor Congregation, West Java (Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr)

JAKARTA - President Jokowi has finally dismantled various unpleasant stories about the difficulty for many religious people to worship. The Head of State does not close his eyes if there is still discrimination.

"Careful about this. Those who are Christians, Catholics, Hindus, Confucians, be careful, these have the same rights in worship, have the same rights in freedom of religion and worship," Jokowi said at SICC, West Java, Tuesday, January 17th.

For Jokowi, freedom of religion and worship for all citizens is strictly guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution article 29 paragraph 2.

"Once again, guaranteed by the constitution, this must be understood. The Dandim, the Police Chief, the Regional Police Chief, the Regional Military Commander, must understand this, the High Prosecutor's Office, the District Prosecutor's Office," he quipped.

"Don't let the so-called constitution be defeated by an agreement. The constitution cannot be lost by an agreement," Jokowi continued without going into details on the example.

"If there was an FKUB meeting, for example, this is just for example. Agreed not to allow building places of worship. Be careful, our constitution guarantees this," continued Jokowi again.

Jokowi also insinuated a number of regulations from regional heads that seemed to support discrimination. Even though once again, Jokowi said, the guarantee of freedom is already in the Constitution.

"Because I see it's still happening. Sometimes I think, is it that difficult for people to worship? It's sad to hear that," he complained.