Hundreds Press Indonesian Gov't to Protect Religious Freedom

By Aaron J. Leichman, Christian Post Reporter
Sunday, August 15, 2010

Hundreds rallied in Indonesia's capital city, Jakarta, on Sunday, urging President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to stop attacks by radical Islamists on Christian churches.

Carrying several Indonesian flags at half-mast, the mostly Christian group demanded that the president punish hardline Muslim groups that attack minority faiths.

Protesters accused the president and the government of violating constitutional rights of minority groups to freely practice their religion.

This year, between January and July, there were reportedly 28 cases of religious freedom violations in Indonesia. In 2009, there were only 18 reported for the whole year. In 2008, there were only 17.

Indonesian rights groups say the violations, mostly by radical Muslim groups, include the forced closure of churches and attacks such as torching.

Was this article helpful?

Become a CP Insider.
Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

The truth has a cost, and Insiders help carry it.
A dollar from an Insider comes with no strings attached. It keeps our reporters on the story, keeps our journalism open to everyone, and keeps every editorial decision in the newsroom, where it belongs.

Become a CP Insider and choose the amount you want to pay. You can change, pause or cancel anytime. As a thank-you, you’ll get: