Margareth S. Aritonang, The Jakarta Post,
A new survey conducted by the Indonesia Survey Circle (LSI) found that the majority of people are tolerant and concerned about worsening discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities.

According to the survey, conducted between Dec. 14 and 17, only 10 percent of respondents condoned discrimination against minority groups in the country and insisted that minority groups should submit to the wishes of the majority.

LSI, however, found that although intolerant people were few in number, they were opinion setters who wielded influence in their communities.

The survey outfit found that intolerant groups could inflict violence on a regular basis because of lax law enforcement.

“These groups include, among others, members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI). …………..

In the survey, 88.84 percent of the respondents favored equality among all religious groups, and only 9.15 percent insisted that the government should favor members of the majority religion.

When asked about ethnicity issues, 93.04 percent of the respondents were of the opinion that ethnic identity should not determine treatment toward others.

…………………… Of six minority categories given as options, women were the most welcomed to lead in local government, with homosexuals being the most frowned upon.

Other categories included atheists, Ahmadis, Shiites and adherents to different faiths.

“This reflects the condition of our society. People would tend to vote for female candidates rather than male Ahmadis or Shiites, for example,” LSI researcher Adjie said.

in the 2014 presidential election not be afraid to advocate differences over the fear of losing votes,” Adjie added.
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