ICC Note: The religious persecution of the Ahmadiyah follows the pattern of persecution faced by other minority religions in Indonesia. Islamic hardliners have been allowed to take the law into their own hands, while police have been afraid to enforce the rule of law. The solution to this problem is also the same: the government authorities of Indonesia must fulfill their responsibility to uphold the law.
By Andreyka Natalegawa
07/22/2015 Indonesia (The Jakarta Globe)
Members of the Ahmadiyah community in Indonesia continue to be discriminated against and religious leaders say a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is needed to address persecution against the group.
“In general, the marginalization and stigmatization of Ahmadiyah groups have evolved into acts of discrimination,” said Yendra Budiana, spokesman for Jemaat Ahmadiyah Indonesia (JAI).
“Our beliefs are now criminalized and a cause for persecution.”
Members of the Ahmadiyah, an Islamic religious movement deemed heretical by Indonesia’s Sunni majority, have faced increased hostility in recent weeks, with a number of local communities being targeted across Java.
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“They’re victims of intolerant acts from communities that do not approve of their existence here in Indonesia.”
As hardline extremists groups like the Islamic Defender’s Front (FPI) and the Islamic People’s Front (FUI) have become more vocal, persecution against Ahmadis has increased in recent years.
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Ahmadi leaders say a comprehensive, multi-pronged approach is needed in order to address persecution.
“First, there must be a firm crackdown by the police against anarchist groups and preachers of hate who act in the name of religion,” Yendra said. “The police must be fair, without hesitation, in providing protection to all communities.”
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