Edition The Institute 28 WAHID March 2010 Monthly Report on Religious Issues

EDITOR’S WORD Gus Dur Buddhist Statue Display Closed

ince the death of KH Abdurrah- Tedi Kholiludin man Wahid, people have paid their Srespects in many different ways. A 29 year old sculptor from Central , Cipto Purnomo, created a Buddha statue featuring Gus Dur’s head. One of Cipto’s friends crafted a “Gus Dur Gladiator” statue and a “Gus Dur Mountain” statue within 40 days of the former president’s death. The Buddhist statue sparked pro- test from the Indonesian Theravada Youth (PATRIA) Headquarters as it was ­considered degrading, and the statues, on display at Mendut art gallery in ­Magelang, were taken down. Photograph: Statue of the Buddha featuring Gus Dur’s head Photo.SCTV In addition, throughout February there were more problems with the n silence and with resignation, Cipto from display, which coincided with the establishment of houses of worship. A Purnomo (29) slowly arranged the 40th day anniversary since Gus Dur’s number of local organisations placed planks of wood. But he was not death, was accompanied by a ritual or pressure on the Church of Galilee in I ­making a bonfire; instead Cipto was performance art. However, in this case ­Bekasi to close its doors. In Bogor, the sealing off the “Statue of Gus Dur’s Con- the ceremony was much quieter than local government gave in to pressure from several groups, with the mayor science” with the planks. On top of the usual, with only a reading of mantras revoking the building permit granted planks was a sign reading “statue closed and Javanese hymns. to the Yasmin Church in Curug Mekar. to public” and “what should we do with Cipto said he closed the statue for Saddened by these incidences, two re- this statue?”, “we will leave it to compe- the common good, as quoted by Suara ligious organisations, PGI (Indonesian tent people”, “we apologise to those who Merdeka, (15/02). He is a sculptor who Protestant Church Fellowship) and KWI have been offended by our actions”, “for lives near Borobudur, and in 2009 he (Indonesian Catholic Church Conferen- our learning, as we are village people in received the Indonesian World Record ce), complained to Parliament on Tues- need of enlightenment (humans are far Museum (MURI) award for making the day (9/02) and urged that the issue be more important than statues)”. smallest Buddhist statue from gold. It resolved. The closure of the display at Men- measured only 8x5x4mm. As well as reporting on the judicial dut art gallery in Magelang (14/02) review of PNPS 1965, this edition of marked the end of the controversy Offence MRORI also features cases concerning over the Buddhist statue that bore the The controversy over the Gus Dur deviance, banning of the jilbab, alcohol consumption and a waria (transvestite) head of the fourth Indonesian presi- Buddha statue began with a protest contest. dent, KH (Gus from the Indonesian Theravada Youth Dur). In addition to Cipto’s statue, two (PATRIA) headquarters, who felt the Enjoy Reading! other statues were also taken off display, ­statue resembled the Buddha. “We will namely Sujono’s Gus Dur Gladiator and inform Mr Cipto Purnomo, the artist of Ismanto’s Gus Dur Mountain. Both were this piece of work, of our feelings. May- covered with white cloths, resembling be out of a lack of awareness, he has de- mummies. graded the figure of our Great Teacher The official removal of the statues and the World’s Great Teacher,” said

Publisher: | Directors: Yenny Zannuba Wahid, Ahmad Suaedy | Chief Editor: Rumadi | Executive Editor: Alamsyah M. Dja’far | Board of Editors: Ahmad Suaedy, Gamal Ferdhi, Alamsyah M. Dja’far | Editorial Staff: M. Subhi Azhari, Nurun Nisa’, Badrus Samsul Fata | Translator: Rebecca Lunon | Cover & Lay out: Ulum Zulvaton | Contributors: Noor Rahman (), Dindin A. Ghazali, Suhendy (West Java), Nur Khalik Ridwan ( and ), Tedi Kholiludin (Central Java), Zainul Hamdi (East Java), Syamsul Rijal Adhan (Makassar), Yusuf Tantowi, Akhdiansyah (NTB) | Address: The Wahid Institute , Jln Taman 8, Jakarta - 10320 | Phone +62 21 3928 233, 3145 671 I Fax. +62 21 3928 250 Email: [email protected] Website: www. wahidinstitute.org. Published by The Wahid Institute in cooperation with TIFA Foundation. ■ Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

the director of PATRIA headquarters, nity with his work. However, he said, the School in Tegalrejo, Magelang, KH Mu- ­Tanagus Dharmawan (detik.com, 8/01). statue was not at all intended to offend. hammad Yusuf Chudlori, said that he The work was purely a symbol of the believed that Cipto had no intention great role Gus Dur played during his life, of insulting any religion. “There was no “At the time I was a role that Buddha Guatama also played. intention to insult another religion be- creating the statue I saw “At the time I was creating the statue I cause Gus Dur was pluralistic and also it symbolically. It was not saw it symbolically. It was not my aim or never degraded other religions. The intention to offend any religion,” Cipto work was intended as an expression of my aim or intention to Purnomo emphasised to detik.com in art. However the artist must apologise offend any religion,” Blangkunan, Muntilan, Magelang, Cen- as it seems some have been offended Cipto Purnomo tral Java, on Monday (8/2). by his work. Those who have been of- For Cipto the world of statues is very fended must also be able to understand much a part of his own flesh and blood. this,” Gus Yusuf said (antaranews.com, Taking a different stance to PATRIA He told how he first began work on the 14/2). headquarters, the Indonesian Buddhist statue on invitation from the owner of In Ciganjur, Gus Dur’s son in law, Representative (Walubi) had no con- Mendhut art gallery, Sutanto, in order Dhohir Farisi, understood Cipto and cerns with the statue and urged that to celebrate the 40 day anniversary of his associates’ love of Gus Dur as ex- the issue not be blown out of propor- Gus Dur’s passing. “One week before pressed in the statue as an expression tion. the event was to be held in the Men- of art. However, Dhohir also felt that if “In terms of teachings there is no dut art gallery, Mr Tanto contacted me the Buddhist community was offended problem, the only problem is it’s not and asked me to sculpt a statue,” said by the statue, then the sculptor had to ethical. Maybe it’s just a lack of under- the primary school teacher. After much respond to their feelings, “If there is any standing. There’s no need to make it brainstorming he chose the body of a debate amongst the Buddhist commu- into a big issue,” said the director of the ­Buddha. He explained that works of art nity, the artist must respond.” And what Central Java branch of Walubi, David are created subjectively based on the did Yenny Wahid have to say on the is- Hermanjaya, during Chinese New Year artist’s imagination and observations of sue? “Yenny also saw the statue. We just celebrations at Liong Hok Bio temple, his environment. Cipto acknowledged laughed. It’s a statue of Gus Dur wearing Magelang, on Saturday (kompas.com, that he was close to and had been raised a white peci (rimless cap) and so on. It’s 13/2). near Borobodur, and as a result he had an expression of art,” Dhohir said (detik. The sculptor, Cipto, apologised for much admiration for the Buddha. com, 8/2). having offended the Buddhist commu- Director of the API Islamic Boarding M

Government Refuses to Annul the PNPS, PGI Demands Alamsyah M. Dja’far

iffering from the stances and PGI in the plenary session at the Con- in horizontal conflict. The PAN cadre declarations made by several stitutional Court Building in Jakarta on even emphasised that religious prin- Dothers, the Federation of In- Thursday (4/02). If there was no clear ciples could not be bargained with. It donesian Churches (PGI) has asked boundary concerning this issue, “we are was highly possible, he continued, that the government to be critical of Law concerned that state intervention will annulling the law would lead to people Number 1 of 1965 on Prevention of go too far,” he said. taking the law into their own hands. “It Religious Defamation and/or Abuse. In He explained that within Christianity is fitting and reasonable that the appli- particular, they singled out how much there are many different denomina- cants demanding such freedom be ig- authority the government has when it tions. And Christianity in the Middle nored and rejected,” he said. comes to religious interpretation and East is quite different to that found in He also argued that the PNPS had prosecution of differing interpretations. Indonesia. “However there is a joint helped create religious harmony with- “PGI feels that there should be a de- commitment, that while the teachings in Indonesia because it regulated and cision made on religious defamation. may differ, the holy book must remain equalized all religions in the eyes of the What is the definition of defamation? the same,” he said. PGI also urged the law, and also guaranteed adherents the Does the government have the right to government to carefully consider these freedom to hold religious activities. Patri- prosecute or to interpret what is most cases, and establish an internal control alis even insinuated that the applicants true, even though some small groups within religious bodies. had not comprehensively examined have followed set doctrines for many In the first session, the Minister of the law. Although the law concerns hu- years, doctrines that have been formu- Law and Human Rights Patrialis Akbar man rights issues, this West Sumateran lated in religious council meetings,” said argued that proceeding with the judi- born man did not examine the human Priest Einar Sitompul who represented cial review of the law would only result rights perspective in any depth. He only

 The WAHID Institute n Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

of the law approached Ulil Abshar-Ab- In this initial hearing, the Advocacy dalla, member of the Liberal Islamic Team for Religious Freedom (TAKB), “PGI feels that there should Network (JIL). A man wearing a white ­acting as the legal attorney for a number be a decision made on peci in the middle balcony called out of NGOs and human rights activists, religious defamation. What is “Lil, lil. I want to shake your hand,” while submitted a 62-page draft appeal. They the definition of defamation? walking towards him. After shaking his argued that the PNPS contradicted the hand, the man pointed his index finger “Rule of Law” as stated in article 1 verse Does the government have at Ulil’s face and shouted that Ulil would 3 of the 1945 constitution. the right to prosecute or to destroy Islam. Another man started In addition the law was also pro- interpret what is most true, shouting too, “You’ve just graduated duced during a declared state of even though some small from Israel, yeah?” The incident did not emergency and as such should only groups have followed set last long, with police and court officials have been valid temporarily. TAKB also quick to act. They stopped Ulil from stressed that the law contradicted arti- doctrines for many years, leaving until all those opposing the ju- cle 28E verse 1 and 2, article 28I verse 1, doctrines that have been dicial review had left. and article 29 verse 2 of the constitution formulated in religious Throughout the duration of the concerning rights to religion, belief, and council meetings”. hearing, which began at 10.00, outside expression of thought and opinion in the court and under tight police guard accordance with one’s conscience. With Einar Sitompul Islamic organisations such as the Islamic reference to a number of international Defenders Front (FPI), the Islamic Refor- regulations, these rights are protected mation Movement (Garis) and the Mus- for instance by article 18 of the Universal emphasised that Western concepts of lim Forum (FUI) held demonstrations. Declaration on Human Rights (UDHR) human rights were different to those in One man, wearing black robes and a and the International Covenant on the Indonesian context. head cloth and who appeared to be an Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) which As with the Minister of Law and Hu- orator for the group, said that if the Con- Indonesia ratified in Law No 12/2005. man Rights, the Minister for Religious stitutional Court allowed the case to Choirul Anam, a member of TAKB, urged Affairs Suryadharma Ali also urged the proceed (ruling in Ulil’s favour), it meant that the PNPS be annulled, and that the court to reject the applicant’s case. He that they had no choice but to oppose issue of religious freedom be regulated reasoned that the applicants had no le- the case in any way possible, including purely by article 28E and article 29 verse gal standing in the case. In addition, the resorting to murder. 2 of the constitution. law signed by was considered In a press release signed by Secre- Those NGO pushing for the judicial to have already been tested and proven tary General Muhammad Al Khaththath, review include Imparsial (The Initiative to have helped maintain religious unity FUI made three demands to the Consti- Association of a Participative Society and to lead the Indonesian nation to- tutional Court. FUI demanded that the for Just Transition), Elsam (The Institute wards a harmonious life. court reject the demands of those liberal for Community Studies and Advocacy), In addition to these two ministers, NGOs, that Islamic organisations, ulama, PBHI (The Association of Human Rights the court also heard H Chairuman Ha- and Muslim leaders increase Muslim and Legal Aid Organisations), Demos rahap, a representative of the Indone- unity in order to protect Muslims from (The Association of Human Rights and sian Parliament, Amidhan and his legal liberals, and that the government use Democracy Study Centres), Perkumpu- representative Lutfi Hakim from the its authority to ban the existence of lan Masyarakat Setara (The Association Indonesian Council of Ulama, and Mu- ­liberal Islam and those that spread devi- for an Equal Society), Desantara, and hammadiyah Saleh Partaonan Daulay, ant teachings. YLBHI (The Foundation for Indonesian secretary of the Muslim Lawyer Asso- The hearing that day was the second Legal Aid Institutes). Meanwhile, indi- ciation’s Legal Aid and Human Rights overall, with the agenda to hear infor- viduals involved include former Presi- Department. mation from the government, parlia- dent KH Abdurrahman Wahid, Prof Dr After the hearing, there was a minor ment and other relevant parties. It was Musdah Mulia, Prof M Dawan Rahardjo, incident when audience members were chaired by Moh Mahfud MD and seven and KH Maman Imanul Haq. leaving the second floor balcony. Sev- members. The first hearing was held on eral of those supporting the existence 17 November 2009. M

KWI and PGI Urge Government to Guarantee Religious Alamsyah M. Dja’far

he Indonesian Catholic Church (PGI) have urged the government to be 2010, in cases involving the closure of Conference (KWI) and the Com- serious in protecting the religious rights houses of worship and religiously based Tmunion of Churches in Indonesia of its citizens. Since the beginning of violence the government has clearly The WAHID Institute  ■ Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

the Guide for Implementing Duties for the morning service on the main road “There are people in Regional Heads in Preserving Religious because the Bekasi regent sealed their power and because they Harmony and Establishing Houses of church. Worship. “There are people in power Elsewhere, the Indonesian Confer- are the majority they and because they are the majority they ence on Religion and Peace (ICRP) has make this joint regulation make this joint regulation powerless,” complained about the still significant powerless.” said Pudjasumarta (kompas.com, 9/2). numbers of cases of religious intoler- Pudjasumarta He then told of how decisions made by ance occurring in Indonesia. It pointed regents or mayors were often revoked if out the government’s slow handling of failed to protect and guarantee the they sparked signdlinkdlinkadfdafafafai- cases to Vice President Boediono. “We rights of citizens to worship the religion ficant protest by certain groups. He was put to you, Mr Vice President, that there of their choice. hopeful, however, that the regulation are still a lot of cases of religiously based The issue was raised in a meeting could be the solution that satisfied all violence,” said ICRP Secretary General, between representatives from KWI religious communities. Romo Johannes Harjanto, in a press and PGI and Commission III of the In- Hundreds of congregants of the Hu- conference after meeting with the Vice donesian parliament on Tuesday (9/2). ria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP) Church President in his office on Medan Merde- KWI was represented by its Secretary in Filadelfia, Bekasi, most of whom were ka Selatan Rd, Jakarta (detik.com, 9/2). ­General Mgr Pujasumarta Pr who is also women and children, also attended the Johannes explained that in January the Bishop, while PGI was meeting. They did so to report the seal- of 2010 alone there were 20 separate ­represented by its General Secretary ing of their church by the Bekasi regent, cases of religiously based violence. In Priest Gomar Gultom, MTh. Saaduddin. addition to certain groups, the govern- In the meeting, PGI also reported 10 They told how the church con- ment was also guilty of neglecting reli- cases of violence against its churches, gregation had been prevented from gious rights through its own violations and KWI reported four since the worshipping as they pleased. In 2008, and its enforcement of regulations that ­beginning of the year. the church was attacked by unknown violated such rights. One of the issues, according to these ­assailants during Christmas celebra- Thus the ICRP urged the govern- religious organisations, is related to the tions. They were also attacked on 25 ment to be firm in resolving the issue, implementation of the Joint Regulation December 2009 during celebrations, to which involved prosecuting perpetra- of the Two Ministers in 2006 concerning the extent that they were forced to hold tors of violence. M

“When unrest Islamic Organisations Seal Church arises, the church Noor Rahman permit is automatically annulled in accordance undreds of Muslims from various the Bina An-Nisa Division of the Bekasi addition, he said, locals were disturbed with the Mayor’s Islamic social organisations in Propagation Council, the Irene Centre, by the ritual singing of praises at night Bekasi, West Java have demand- the Indonesian Council of Mujahedeen when they were trying to rest. Recommendation” H Bambang Gunawan ed that Christian activities at the Galilee (MMI), the Social Forum of the Galaxi According to Murhali, there were Church in the Galaxi Park housing com- Mosque, FPI, the Medan Satria Islamic already at least six churches in the area plex in Jaka Setia, Bekasi be brought to Youth Forum, FKUB, the Islamic Union and a number of houses that were used a halt, by force if necessary (15/2). The (PERSIS), the Committee for Enforce- as places of worship. He was adamant church’s existence has upset locals, the ment of Syariah (KPS), Muhammadiyah, that the construction permits being majority of whom are Muslim, as it is the Islamic Youth Movement (GPI), the protested over were not indeed com- believed to have not yet completely Community Concerned about Syariah plete because the majority of the com- obtained a building permit. (MPS), and the Islamic Youth Associa- munity had not given their permission The Islamic organisations involved tion (GARIS). for the land to be used. “The proof is included the Bekasi Propagation Coun- A prominent member of Bekasi that up to today there are still many cil (DDB), the Bungin Propagation FPI, Murhali Barda, explained that the banners of protest erected in alleys and Council, the Muara Gembong Society, community’s unrest over the church lanes and in busy places,” Murhali em- was because of the suspicion that the phasised (inilah.com, 15/2). “If there is a problem, let church was converting Muslims to Chris- In response, the Bekasi Propagation tianity, a process referred to as Christia- Council (DDB) and several other Islamic us fix it as a family. The nisation. “Reports from several of our organisations issued a declaration, pro- police and government congregants say that the church often testing the establishment of the Galilee are always open to distributes cheap food packages to the Church and urging the Forum for Re- perfecting the views that needy provided that they acknowledge ligious Harmony (FKUB) and the local we all share.” Jesus as their God. I see this as a viola- government to bring a halt to all of the tion,” Murhali said (antara.co.id, 15/2). In church’s religious activities as regulated

 The WAHID Institute n Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

“Reports from several in the Two Ministers’ Joint Declaration have the agreement of 60% of the local of our congregants say of 2006 on Establishment of Houses of community. that the church often Worship. “The Joint Declaration by the The Chief of the Criminal Investiga- Minister of Religious Affairs and the tive Unit of Bekasi Police, Police Com- distributes cheap food Minister for Internal Affairs states that missioner Budi Sartono, urged demon- packages to the needy establishment of a house of worship strators to maintain order while dem- provided that they must have the agreement of at least onstrating and to not resort to anarchy. 60% of the local community,” Marhali Violence would not be tolerated. “If acknowledge Jesus as said (republika.co.id, 15/2). The Joint there is a problem, let us fix it as a family. their God. I see this as a Regulations No 8 and No 9/2006 that The police and government are always violation,” replaced the Joint Declaration also open to perfecting the views that we all state that to obtain a building permit share,” he said (inilah.com, 15/02). Murhali for houses of worship it is necessary to M

Bogor Government Revokes Church Permit after Noor Rohman fter a demonstration by hundreds but because the Bogor government of locals, the Bogor government had the Mayor’s Recommendation on “We will demand an Aeventually revoked the building which to base their claim, for the in- explanation from the permit previously issued to the Yasmin terests of the community the church Church in Curug Mekar, West Bogor on permit was revoked. In regards to the Mayor in regards to the Thursday (11/2). The church had fulfilled Court’s ruling, Bambang said that the cancellation because the the requirements for the permit in 2006, Bogor Government was currently pre- court already ruled in our yet the permit was suspected to be le- paring to appeal to the Supreme Court. favour” gally flawed and the existence of the “We will continue to pursue and resolve Thomas Wadudara church felt to be disturbing locals. the issue through the legal system,” he said (koran.republika.co.id, 12/02). the discriminative regulation concern- “When unrest Right from the beginning, the direc- ing establishment of houses of worship. tor of the Indonesian Muslim Communi- arises, the church In response to the annulment of the cation Forum in Bogor and community permit is automatically permit, the Indonesian Christian Church leader H Ahmad Iman has been optimis- (GKI) will seek clarification from the Bogor annulled in accordance tic and certain that the mayor would loy- Mayor. “We will demand an explanation ally fulfil the community’s desires. “I be- with the Mayor’s from the Mayor in regards to the cancel- lieve that the mayor will revoke the per- Recommendation” lation because the court already ruled in mit. The church construction is legally Bambang Gunawan our favour,” said Thomas Wadudara, direct flawed because the form of agreement of the Yasmin GKI construction project, The cancellation of the permit was containing the signatures of local com- on Tuesday (antaranews.com, 2/03). based on Recommendation of the May- munity members is false. The local com- According to Thomas, the Bandung or of Bogor No 601-389, dated 15 Febru- munity has never said that it is prepared Court’s ruling was legally binding and ary 2006. Point 12 of the recommenda- to welcome the construction of the unconditional and as such had to be tion stated that if the church construc- church,” Imam said (kompas.com, 11/02). ­respected by all parties. Furthermore, tion was not in accordance with correct The hundreds of protesters spon- the court also examined the form de- data and had the potential to disturb taneously bowed down, giving thanks claring the local community’s agree- the community, then the permit would to God, when hearing of the deci- ment, which has recently been suspect- automatically be revoked. “When unrest sion as they felt that their struggle ed of falsification. Thomas suspects that arises, the church permit is automati- for the truth had been answered. there is pressure from certain groups cally annulled in accordance with the In this case, the community felt with political interests to stopp the Mayor’s Recommendation” explained that the Bogor government had made church construction from proceeding. Bambang Gunawan, Regional Secretary a mistake in granting the church a On Monday (1/3), hundreds of of Bogor (koran.republika.co.id, 12/2). ­building permit without checking the Hizbut Thahrir Indonesia (HTI) mem- According to Bambang, in 2009 accuracy of the data with locals. The bers from Bogor approached the the church permit was frozen by the locals claimed that their protest was Bogor town hall to protest against Bogor government but later released not out of hatred towards a certain re- the GKI church construction. after Bogor GKI took the case to the ligion, but was because the construc- ­Bandung Administrative Court. The tion process was flawed. These kinds of Court ruled in favour of Bogor GKI cases represent the negative effects of

The WAHID Institute  ■ Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

FPI Opposes “Hantu Puncak Datang Bulan” Noor Rohman

he planned launch of the film member Anwar Fuadi. During their dis- forms of publication. We’ve already de- “Hantu Puncak Datang Bulan (The cussion, FPI argued that the film could cided that the film’s screening will be TMenstruation Ghost)” in a number spread immorality and cause unrest postponed in Indonesian cinemas until of cinemas in Indonesia on Thursday within the Muslim community. The film, some later date,” explained the spokes- (4/2) did not go ahead after the Islamic which stars Andi Soraya and Trio Macan, person for K2K Production, Yan Wijaya Defenders Front (FPI) successfully op- is considered low in moral values and (kompas.com, 4/2). posed the film. In an sms, FPI instructed too vulgar, with frequent nudity. Andi Recently the film’s title was changed all members to hold raids should the Soraya has even been equated to Mi- to “Dendam Pocong Mupeng (Revenge launch proceed. yabi, Maria Ozawa, the Japanese porn- of the Broken Faced Ghost)” and will star. “Andi Soraya is the Indonesian Mi- screen in all cinemas in Indonesia. The “We’ve withdrawn all yabi, she spreads a terrifying immorality film with this title recently passed LSF forms of publication. bomb,” explained the director of Jakarta censorship, which, according to LSF FPI headquarters, Habib Salim bin Umar member Al Surya Patih, cut out 28 in- We’ve already decided Al Athos (kompas.com, 4/2). appropriate scenes. The film was also that they film’s screening In response, Anwar explained that shortened from 90 minutes to just 64 will be postponed in the film passed censorship and that (inilah.com, 12/3). Indonesian cinemas until ­anything that was slightly pornographic MUI has expressed its disappoint- some later date.” or vulgar had been removed. If there ment over the film passing censorship, were any vulgar pictures still in circula- as it feels that only the title was changed Yan Wijaya tion, it was purely the producer’s strat- while the contents remained the same. egy to promote the film. “We explained MUI even urged the government to re- In addition, hundreds of FPI mem- why the film passed censorship. We voke authorisation for its release. “The bers led by Salim bin Umar Al Athos, removed anything pornographic or film destroys the morality of -our na Fachry Jamalullail and Ahmad Al-Aidi vulgar. If they come across anything tion. As role models we try so hard to also demonstrated against the Film pornographic or vulgar now it is the teach morality, so how can this happen? Censorship Institute (LSF) which had producer’s mistake, as they are still us- This is what has led to free sex becom- given the film the go ahead. They urged ing those pictures to promote their film,” ing part of the morality of our nation. the LSF to withdraw their decision and Anwar stressed (inilah.com, 4/2). This has even been legalised. There’s to warn cinemas to not screen the con- K2K Production, the company who the LSF with its duties, and the govern- troversial film. If necessary FPI was will- produced the film, eventually withdrew ment is busy educating us about good ing to approach each cinema individu- the film and removed all advertising. ­character, but then there’s this other ally to make sure their instructions were They also postponed the screening side,” Amirsyah, MUI secretary general, understood. to a later date in order to avoid any said on Friday (12/3). The FPI crowd was met by LSF ­unwanted risks. “We’ve withdrawn all M

3 Years for 3 West Java NII Leaders Alamsyah M. Dja’far

he Garut State Court has sen- onment in a hearing on Wednesday hammad’s name with the name of their tenced three leaders of the Islamic (10/2). The three were Wowo Wahyudin leader, Sensen Komara, in the confes- TState of Indonesia (NII) from South (33), Wawan Setiawan (43), and Abdul sion of faith and in one sentence of the Garut, West Java, to three years impris- Rosid (44). call to prayer. According the head of the judges’ The accused, who refused to be rep- council, Rudi Suharso, all three were resented by a legal attorney, accepted They were guilty of proven guilty of publically committing the court’s ruling. The final verdict was defamation for changing crimes and violating article 156a of the one year less than the prosecution’s de- Criminal Code concerning religious def- mands for four years imprisonment. the direction to Mecca, amation. As quoted by tempointeraktif.com and praying to the East They were guilty of defamation for (10/2), the accuseds’ actions became with their backs to the changing the direction to Mecca, and known to locals during the Friday after- Ka’bah. praying to the East with their backs to noon sermon in Situ Bodol, Tegal Gede, the Ka’bah. The group also replaced Mu- Pakenjeng, on 4 September 2009. One

 The WAHID Institute n Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010 of the congregants recorded the inci- a meeting at the Tegal Gede village of- Commander, Sensen Komaran (45), Ab- dent and reported it to the local MUI. fice in Pakenjeng. Police then declared dul Rosid (44), Wowo Wahyudin (33), On September 29, Garut police de- five as suspects, for motivating the Wawan Setiawan (43), and Daud (63). tained 16 NII members during a fight at group. They included the Garut Leader/ M

Several Bandung Social Organisations Reject Alcohol Alamsyah M. Dja’far

iscussion over the Draft Regula- which is clearly forbidden in Islam. tion of alcohol in Bandung and as a re- tion concerning Monitoring and Secretary of Commission D of the sult the government proposes the draft DControl of Alcoholic Beverages Bandung parliament, Yosep Saepul Ak- regulation concerning the monitoring and Liquor Store Permits currently be- bar, who met with representatives of and control of alcohol. ing discussed by the local parliament these organisations, said that their op- Before the draft reached the local has been opposed by a number of so- position was considered as part of the parliament, Nana said the government cial organisations in Bandung. input required throughout the process had already discussed it with the Band- of drafting the regulation and he prom- ung Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) “We cannot have a ised that all parties would be involved and other Islamic organisations such as regulation that bans in discussing the issue. (NU), Muhammadiyah As with GPI and Hima Persis, the and Persis over the course of several alcohol as it contradicts Bandung Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI) meetings. higher regulations.” Office also opposed the draft regulation. In 2006 the Bandung government “I know that the tax will contribute to suggested that discussions be held local government income but it doesn’t over the draft but the suggestion was At the beginning of February, have to be tax from banned goods,” said knocked back. In 2009, the suggestion ­representatives from the Islamic Youth the director of the HTI review team for was proposed once again to the local Movement (GPI) and the Student the regional liquor regulation, M D Riy- parliament in the Bandung govern- ­Association for an Islamic Union (Hima an (klik-galamedia, 10/2). ment’s Work Paper No 19/2009. Persis) approached Commission D of Lia Noer Hambali felt likewise. This In addition to regulating tax, the the Bandung parliament. They were ad- director the Bandung United Develop- draft also limits the number and kinds amant, urging the government to stop ment Party (PPP) firmly emphasised in of places where alcohol can be distrib- discussions over the legalisation of alco- a local parliament plenary session that uted and sold. The policy would allow holic beverages in Bandung. “If it is to be PPP would oppose the sale of alcohol supermarkets and general stores to sell discussed, it has to be about banning, in Bandung. drinks with less than 5% alcohol. Drinks not control,” said Muhdan Firdaus Alam, The Bandung government begged with 5-55% alcohol content would only the Hima Persis spokesperson, (Pikiran to differ. The Director of the Bandung be able to be sold in hotels, restraints, Rakyat, 7/2). Department of Industry, Nana Supriya- bars, pubs, night clubs, discotheque He feels that the law would allow tna, said that the government could and airports. producers to establish a widespread not ban the distribution of alcohol be- Buyers have to be over 21 and able market for the sale of alcohol. Legalising cause it would violate the Declaration to produce their national identity card. it would only empower certain actors by the Minister for Trade. “We cannot The regulation would not just apply to such as hotels and entertainment have a regulation that bans alcohol as it foreign tourists, but for Bandung locals ­venues. Hima Persis also urged the contradicts higher regulations,” she said too. The government, Nana said, would ­government to research other sources (Tempo Interaktif, 15/2). Currently there revoke the licenses of those places of income besides tax from alcohol sales is no regulation controlling the distribu- which violated the regulation. Hospital Employees Banned from Wearing the Jilbab Tedi Kholiludin

ith tears running down her local parliament on Monday (15/2). As while working. cheeks Fitri Cahyaningsih (33), quoted by Suara Merdeka (16/2), Fitri When welcomed by the PKS frac- Wwho works in nutrition at Te- told of the discrimination she had faced tion, Fitri, who had worked at the hos- logorejo Hospital, spoke of her fate to when the Hospital management chose pital for 13 years, admitted she had not a number of fractions of the East Java to ban women from wearing the jilbab only been discriminated against, but

The WAHID Institute  ■ Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

also intimidated after she chose to wear She said that quite a significant number Indonesia. If necessary the council will the jilbab to work on January 12. After of employees at Telogorejo Hospital summon the hospital directors,” he said. donning the jilbab, she was moved to wore the jilbab but because they were Istajib, PPP politician and member of the back kitchen. In fact, since January scared they chose to remove it for the Commission B, urged Telogorejo Hospi- 25 she had had been given no work. Her duration of their shift. tal to be tolerant of Muslim employees boss simply ordered her to sit on the ter- Fitri was sure that in accordance with who wished to wear the jilbab. He was race for the entirety of her shift. Indonesian law there was nothing ban- concerned that the hospital’s banning ning her from wearing the jilbab while of the jilbab could become a big prob- “I submitted an official working, especially as it did not interfere lem for the Muslim community. “Muslim application to the with her work. She said that she was women wear the jilbab because it’s a even promoted by the housekeeping religious command. If anyone bans this hospital management department to work in the main kitchen then they are violating norms,” he said. so that I could wear the (17/02). Meanwhile, head of public relations jilbab, but they didn’t Head of the PKS fraction, Arif Awalu- of Telogorejo Hospital, Nana Noviada, agree, even though din expressed his willingness to follow confirmed that the hospital had placed wearing the jilbab through with the issue. He promised standard clothing regulations in effect. Fitri he would present the issue to Com- Appearance was regulated from head doesn’t interfere with my mission E which is concerned with those to toe. work.” kinds of issues. “I am concerned with She said for example that long hair Fitri Cahyaningsih this issue. Our country is independent, must be neat, short hair must be no but it seems there are still some who shorter than shoulder length, no beards Hospital management had asked ban women from wearing the jilbab,” he were allowed, and no head covering of her to remove her jilbab if she wanted said. any sort was permitted. to keep working at the hospital. “I sub- Masrukhan Syamsurie, a member of “These regulations were put in place mitted an official application to the hos- Commission E of the Central Java par- with the intention to provide a neutral pital management so that I could wear liament, also expressed his support. He appearance and service, one that does the jilbab, but they didn’t agree, even argued that so long the jilbab did not not promote any one religion, because though wearing the jilbab doesn’t inter- interfere with work, the hospital could Telogorejo is a public hospital,” she said. fere with my work,” she said. not ban women from wearing it. “We She argued that the hospital was not The mother of two sought moral deeply regret that there are still these based on any particular religion but was support from the Democrats fraction, kinds of restrictions preventing Muslim run by a foundation. the PPP fraction, and the PAN fraction. women from expressing their identity in M

Still Monitored After Repenting Nurun Nisa’

amawiyah claims to be a prophet. ment officials, MUI and Samawiyah and The revelation caused a stir “Locals reported her to her followers. Samongst residents of Angon- me. She was monitored During the meeting a decision Angon village in Arjasa, Kangean, Madu- was made, pronouncing Samawiyah’s ra, East Java, because this thirty year old and now it’s being sect deviant. “The conclusion from the women teaches some rather unusual followed up at the district meeting between district level govern- teachings. As quoted at detiksurabaya. ment officials and MUI was that the com, Samawiyah believes that making level.” Moh Ridha party involved was determined to be the haj does not necessarily mean go- spreading a deviant sect,” said Chief of ing to the Ka’bah in Mecca as she argues Arjasa Police, First Inspector Turmudzi. that the Ka’bah is within each one of us. It was based on these reasons that During the meeting Samawiyah admit- She also claims to have moved as many locals reported Samawiyah to the local ted her mistake and repented, as did as five souls from hell to heaven. Her village chief. “Locals reported her to her followers. Inspector Turmudzi said ­followers are required to fast their entire me. She was monitored and now it’s that she was returned to her family and lives. After one year of preaching, she being followed up at the district level,” would receive guidance from a religious now has between 18 and 25 followers, said the Chief of Angon-Angon village, leader. most of whom are close relatives. She Moh Ridha (detiksurabaya.com, 22/2). Nevertheless, Samawiyah and her changed her name to Siti Hajar after re- The complaint was followed up with a followers are still being monitored to ceiving divine inspiration. meeting between district level govern- ensure that their teachings are not

 The WAHID Institute n Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

­being spread further. Observation is Sumenep Police Intelligence Unit, Chief ing Samawiyah fainted in the middle a joint effort by police officials, district Police Commissioner Endri Prasetyo of answering questions from MUI and government officials and the religious Utoro (23/2). thus the meeting could not continue. leaders who are providing guidance The meeting with district level go­ Instead, the sect was declared deviant to Samawiyah and her 25 followers. vernment officials was not thorough and it is still uncertain when or if the “We can’t let clearly deviant activities however. According to Chief Police incomplete meeting will be continued. continue to occur,” said the Chief of the Commissioner Endri, during the meet- M

Yusuf Group Attacked by Thousands Alamsyah M. Dja’far

thousand or so locals from Mum- Yusuf. His teachings were felt to con- officials and Jember MUI in the mosque bulsari village in Mumbulsari, tradict Islamic teachings because his (surya.co.id, 25/2). AJember, East Java approached ­followers were taught that they need For safety reasons, the 18 members followers of the Yusuf Naqsabandiyah not pray, fast or read the Qur’an. “The of the group inside the mosque were tarekat (mystic/Sufi order) as they were teachings are misleading and have up- eventually evacuated to the Jember worshiping at the Raudlatul Muttaqin set the Muslim community in Mumbul- police station. On Friday (26/2) they Mosque on Thursday (25/2). sari,” he said. were still being detained at the station, He continued that locals had warned where they sat and slept in front of the Yusuf denied that his the followers of the group to stop at- Criminal Investigation Unit office. Not teachings were deviant, tending sermons led by Yusuf because one wanted to comment to journalists, they did not want a deviant group to choosing instead to be quiet and eva- arguing that they were develop in the village. “The limits of our sive. Chief of the Criminal Investigation intended to interpret patience have been stretched, and so Unit of Jember Police, Second Inspector the Qur’an not in its we have come together to besiege the M Dhonie Adi also had very few words. literal meaning but in its group and ask them to leave Mumbul- “We’re still investigating,” he said (surya. sari,” he said. co.id, 27/2). metaphorical sense, to gain Several community leaders, high dis- According to the latest information, a deeper understanding of trict officials, and police and military of- Yusuf began giving sermons in mid the Qur’an. ficers who were present at the mosque 2006. Every Tuesday night he would tried to pacify the masses. “I urged the hold sermons in the houses of his 31 fol- According to observations by the locals to remain peaceful and not take lowers. Director of Mumbulsari MUI, KH media, amongst those who approached the law into their own hands. All mem- Shidiq Munawirudin, said that his teach- the group there were some who carried bers will repent and will pledge not to ings were deviant because they denied stones or wooden planks and stood on follow their teachings anymore,” said the pillars of Islam, and thus his group guard around the mosque. Some even the Chief of the Jember Police Commu- should be disbanded. However Yusuf burnt eight vehicles owned by mem- nity Order Unit, Police Commissioner denied that his teachings were devi- bers of the group (Media Indonesia, Mahrobi Hasan (Media Indonesia, 25/2). ant, arguing that they were intended 25/2). According to www.surya.co.id, the to interpret the Qur’an not in its literal Jauhari, one of the locals who join­ siege occurred not when the group was meaning but in its metaphorical sense, ed it said he was very irate with the attending a sermon but when they were to gain a deeper understanding of the ­teachings of Mr Sofi, better known as meeting with district level government Qur’an. M

Ahmadiyah Refugees in Lombok Donate Blood Yusuf Tantowi

espite all the restrictions and (19/2), dozens chose to donate blood to “We routinely run a donor program shortcomings that come with Indonesian Red Cross in Mataram after every three or four months,” said Jauzi, Dliving in exile, West Nusa Teng- Friday prayers. They did so in the yard director of NTB Ahmadiyah. From the gara (NTB) Ahmadiyah members have of their transitory refugee accommoda- last donation, Mataram PMI obtained not lost their humanity. Last Friday tion in Majeluk, Mataram. about 50 bags of blood. “Under nor-

The WAHID Institute  ■ Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010

“Their blood is taken, but 29 families, a total of 133 individuals, their faith is rejected” in exile. To survive, they sell goods or Only a short while ago the ­services in the market such as offering issue of political asylum Jumarim to carry things, working as labourers, for Ahmadiyah members mal conditions PMI usually gets 60 to being ojek drivers, or selling fried snacks. featured once again in the 70 bags,” he added. The program is run Others do any odd jobs that they can purely for humanity and because of the get their hands on. media. The issue was first high need for blood in NTB. addressed by NTB TVRI in If Ahmadiyah members donate The Issue of Asylum an interactive program. blood every three to four months, then Only a short while ago the issue of in three years they donate blood at least political asylum for Ahmadiyah mem- and declarations would receive nega- nine times. If every time they donate bers featured once again in the media. tive responses from parties with politi- blood at least 50 bags are collected, this The issue was first addressed by NTB cal interests, especially as the political equates to a minimum of 450 lots of TVRI in an interactive program. Several climate in Mataram is heating up as the 350cc bags over three years. parties questioned whether the issue elections for mayor and vice mayor ap- “Their blood is taken, but their faith was really raised by Ahmadiyah mem- proach. Candidates are currently com- is rejected,” said Jumarim, an activist in bers. peting for the support of parties. Some Mataram. “The issue did indeed originate have already secured support, others This is indeed quite extraordinary from one member of the community have yet to do so. given the rather concerning conditions currently in exile but it was not repre- As a result, the regional advisor to they live under as refugees. Even more sentative of the organisation,” said Jauzi, Ahmadiyah, Ust H Saiful Uyun, has ap- so now that they no longer receive at- denying the reports by the government proached NTB TVRI to seek clarification tention from the government, and all owned public broadcasting institute. over their report. In the meeting NTB aid stopped long ago. Electricity to the The declaration, he continued, was also TRVI said they ran the story so that the transit accommodation was also cut edited by the journalist. “We just want a government would pay attention to off. cooling down period first,” he said. Ahmadiyah. Currently there are still as many as They were afraid that such reporting M

Controversial Waria Contest in Aceh Badrus Samsul Fata

fter sparking controversy a A Karim Syeikh, chairman of the De- cal. For Faisal, the contest was an insult year ago in Pagaralam, South liberation Council of Ulama (MPU), even to the implementation of shariah law A­Sumatera, a waria (transvestite) accused the contest’s committee of ly- in Aceh. In Islam, he explained, it was contest is once again causing a stir. ing after they claimed to have obtained forbidden for men to dress as women This time in Aceh, which has adopted authorisation from the Banda Aceh and vice versa. Faisal also stressed that special shariah laws. The waria contest MPU. “We didn’t know what the event waria were different from khuntsa (her- to elect the 2010 Aceh Socio-Cultural was about,” he said (sumeks.com, 15/2). maphrodites) in Islamic legal terminol- Ambassador on Saturday night (13/2) Karim even threatened to pursue ogy. Waria, he explained, were a human was heavily protested by a number of the matter legally if it could not be re- creation where males try to resemble groups. solved in a friendly manner. “It depends females, while khuntsa were a natural on how the committee want to be. Ba- creation of God. “So being a waria is an “It depends on how the sically they need to apologise to MPU, act that violates God’s will,” he said. Thus, committee wants to be. because they claimed to have obtained he concludes, the act clearly contradicts Basically they need to authorisation from MPU. In actual fact, Islamic law which is already in effect in apologise to MPU, because not only did they not obtain authorisa- Aceh (theglobejournal.com, 17/02). tion, they didn’t even meet with us,” he This opinion was reinforced by they claimed to have emphasised (republika.com, 15/2). member of the Aceh parliament, Dar- obtained authorisation Previously, the event coordinator muda. He argued that no matter the from MPU. In actual fact, and head of the contest’s committee, context, the existence of waria clearly not only did they not obtain Jimmy, told local media that they had contradicted the culture of the majority authorisation, they didn’t received permission from Banda Aceh of Acehnese residents who are Muslim. MPU to hold the event which would fea- The event was an oddity, because not even meet with us.” ture 40 waria (harian-aceh.com, 15/02). once in the history of Aceh had waria Karim Syeikh The Secretary General of Acehnese activities been legal, especially now that Ulama (HUDA), Faisal Ali, was also criti- Aceh is known as a shariah state (the-

10 The WAHID Institute n Monthly Report on Religious Issues, Edition XXVIII, March 2010 globejournal.com, 16/2). were voiced by Nurhayati, a housewife in traditional Aceh clothing. Eventually Director of the Aceh branch of the in Banda Aceh, who felt that if the con- Zifana Lestisia from Lhokseumawe was Communication Body for Youth and test was to select the best male and chosen as the winner and will now on Teenagers of Indonesian Mosques (BK- female to be promoted to the national to represent Aceh at the national level. PRMI), Nasaruddin, even urged police level, or to model Muslim clothing, She said she would try to introduce to investigate the waria contest. “It can’t maybe it would be ok to hold in Aceh, Acehnese culture to the nation and be allowed to happen, and there can’t but not for a waria contest. prove that waria from areas that imple- have been anyone who would allow As reported by the media, the con- ment Islamic law can still compete na- an event that contradicts Islamic law to test held in the Indonesian Radio studio tionally (harian-aceh.com 14/2). take place in Aceh,” he said (antaranews. in Banda Aceh involved 40 waria from Jimmy said that one of the aims of com, 16/02). True Acehnese Men (PSA). They origi- the contest was to increase the friend- Opposition was also voiced by nated from a number of regions in the ship between waria at the same time members of the community. Aidil, for province. Before the contest they were as decrease the negative stigma society instance, a student of Unsyiah, felt that given special sessions on human rights. has towards waria. “In the contest it’s not if such a contest was allowed to go They were also sent out to local orphan- only beauty that’s judged, but also so- ahead it could have a negative impact ages as volunteers to spread social sen- cial awareness and mastery of science,” on the younger generation in the fu- sitivity in Aceh (theglobejournal.com, he said (theglobejournal.com, 14/2). ture and may affect their mental state 14/02). (antaranews.com 17/2). Similar worries On the night, the waria appeared M

Puang Malea Group Arrested Alamsyah M. Dja’far

emanding the arrest of ap- followers. thorities persuaded Syamsuddin to put parently deviant Puang Malea Those who have ventured into the down his weapons (liputan6.com, 29/1). D­leaders and followers, locals mountains have apparently witnessed By the end of January, Polman police used wood to seal their place of worship a variety of strange happenings. Often had arrested seven people, including in Mirring village in Binuang Polman on they are possessed or suffer from illness. Syamsuddin. After being arrested, they Sunday (31/1) at around 10.30. “We know these kinds of things often were interviewed by local police, and a happen and now Puang Malea Moun- team from MUI and Polman FKUB. According to locals the tain is considered haunted,” explained Syamsuddin claimed that he often group is deviant for a Pua Sapar, a local community figure. received divine inspiration to impart to number of reasons. For Apparently, he says, the name Paung others so that they do not get caught Malea was taken from the Puang Malea up in a deviant life. “Maybe I’m like those instance, new converts Mountains, but he rejects the idea of who people say are possessed because must acknowledge Puang Malea as a new source of deviant I am approached (divine revelation) and Syamsuddin, the 28 year teachings. taught about many matters in life so I The week before, the chief of Mir- don’t go astray,” he said while being in- old leader of the group, as ring village, Arifin, and religious leader, terviewed at the Polman police station Prophet Khaidir. Binuang H Nasir, visited the location. (Fajar, 1/2) According to Arifin the two were able However, the 2008 graduate of the According to locals the group is to enter the house after undertaking a Tarbiyah Faculty of Makassar State Uni- deviant for a number of reasons. For number of procedures. The group’s fol- versity denied that his teachings resort- instance, new converts must acknow­ lowers appeared in white cloth wrapped ed to any books other than the Qur’an, ledge Syamsuddin, the 28 year old from their waists to knees, and wearing or that he faced south while praying. ­leader of the group, as Prophet Khaid- head covers. “We don’t teach anything like that,” he ir. They must also first be purified by Two days before the place was sealed stressed. ­casting out all desires and then washing (29/1), officials from the police, army In recent developments, evidence their bodies clean. They do so com- and municipal police went to arrest was found in their house to support pletely naked except for a white cloth Syamsudin, leader of the group which is claims of their deviance. They are be- covering their head (inilah.com, 31/1). also known as the Setinja group. lieved to say a different confession of Their place of worship is located in They were overwhelmed by the faith to the norm, and do not teach fol- the hills of the Mirring forest which lo- number of followers who were there to lowers to pray five times a day. At the cals consider eerie. They claim that they protect Syamsuddin. Armed with small time of publication the investigation found a one metre square hole resem- machetes and daggers in hand, they was still underway. bling a cave that they believe is used jumped to his defence. Negotiations by the group as a special place to purify were lengthy, but eventually the au- M

The WAHID Institute 11 Analysis

1. The protest against the statue of the Buddha featuring Abdurrahman Wahid’s face suggests that it is not easy to deter- mine a firm boundary between the right to expression and the need to protect diverse religious “feelings”. As explained by the sculptor Cipto Purnomo, there was no intention to insult any religion. On the contrary the work was in appreciation of the role Gus Dur played during his life, a role that Buddha Guatama also played. This requires wisdom by both parties and dialogue and brains over brawn. 2. Damage of churches and revocation of building permits for houses of worship is still a big problem in Indonesia. Several cases indicate that “no permit” is often used as an excuse to legitimize taking action against churches. Of course there are many other factors contributing to the friction, including lack of education, economic inequalities, ineffective communi- cation, lack of protection by authorities and Christianisation issues. Also of concern is that permits can be revoked by the government just because of pressure from certain groups, without any clear legal basis. 3. Many people have misled perceptions of the alcohol regulation. In several areas some groups, such as in West Java, urge that the alcohol regulation ban the production and distribution of alcohol for religious reasons. However higher regula- tions, namely the Declaration by the Minister for Trade, does not ban it. What the law regulates is tighter distribution, including where alcohol may be sold, to whom it may be sold and so on. 4. Banning the jilbab or any other religious symbol clearly violates individual religious rights. Such a ban could only be ac- cepted if the individual truly threatens public safety or health for instance. Arguing that the jilbab interferes with one’s work is also a ridiculous suggestion.

Recommendations

1. We urge society to always promote dialogue and fair communication over persecution when resolving differences of opinion. 2. We urge the government to evaluate implementation of the Two Ministers’ Joint Regulation of 2006 concerning the Guide for Implementing Duties for Regional Heads in Preserving Religious Harmony and Establishing Houses of Worship. At the same time authorities must be serious in investigating and prosecuting those guilty of destroying houses of wor- ship, no matter their reasons. 3. We urge society to respect regulations concerning alcohol. At the same time authorities must enforce these regulations, and take action against distributors and sellers who violate the law. 4. We urge companies to respect the religious rights of their employees as is guaranteed by Indonesian law.