Indonesia

Religious radicalism and cultural change

Dadang Kahmad West Java has long been known for the tolerant nature of its society and culture. ‘Siger tengah’, or ‘the middle road’, is an underlying principle of Sundanese culture that promotes moderation and the avoidance of extremes of both right and left. ………….. Nevertheless, in recent times, it is […]

‘Controversial religious affairs minister must go’

The Jakarta Post Rights activists and religious leaders have urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to dismiss Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali for his frequent statements that could fuel persecution against minority groups in the country. “Suryadharma doesn’t deserve the post because he has encouraged discrimination against Shiite by saying that […]

Drunk on Religion

Religion, juggernauts and the street violence Moh Yasir Alimi, The Jakarta Post: The fatal car crash in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Sunday gives us a vivid illustration that can help us understand the nature of religious freedom in Indonesia. A driver, intoxicated after consuming alcohol and crystal methamphetamine, has been […]