East Jakarta, extremists threaten Catholics. Parish priest defends religious freedom
Jakarta
(AsiaNews) - The appearance of a banner with a threatening slogan written on
purpose to inflame sentiments, threatens to scupper years of peaceful
coexistence and good relations between Muslims and Christians. This
is what is happening in the parish of Kalvari , in Cipayung , the urban area of
East Jakarta , a recently formed centre for Catholics who had been able to
worship for several years without incident or tension. The
local community does not intend to give in to these threats and, while wanting
to avoid confrontation with the wing extremist, is by no means willing to
remain helpless and passive. The
issue could end up in court, as a result of a possible legal action brought by
the parish priest " in defense of religious freedom."
The
banner (pictured) , posted on a road leading to the main entrance of the Jami
Ul Umar mosque, says that " the community of Cipayung rejects the possibility
of a church , built illegally in the area, and calls on local government to resolve the situation as
soon as possible". A very thinly veiled threat which puts a strain on the "harmony"
and cohabitation of recent years. So
far there have been no official claims of responsibility and no information
about the authors.
A
source for AsiaNews , on condition of anonymity , reports that the presence of
such a banner constitutes a provocation , which could "undermine
harmony" that so far has reigned between the two communities . The parish priest Fr . Martin
Hadiwijava Pr - an expert in martial arts and engaged for some time in dialogue
and peaceful coexistence with Muslims - says that such provocations can not be tolerated
because they may open the door to a real campaign of persecution by extremist
groups. He
invites all to "defend the fundamental rights" guaranteed by the
Constitution and announces the use of legal action against anyone spreading
sectarian violence .
Meanwhile,
banners and other posters, the work of as yet unidentified fundamentalists,
appeared in Ciledug , in the regency of Tangerang ( Banten province ), where a
few weeks ago the local lunatic fringe challenged the creation of the parish
church of St. Bernadette . Catholics
have obtained building permits, including the infamous IMB , but this was not
enough to appease the Islamist faction that continues to launch threats and
warnings.
Indonesia
is the most populous Muslim nation in the world and, while guaranteeing the
constitutional principles of religious freedom, it is more and more often the
scene of attacks and violence against minorities, whether they are Christians,
Ahmadi Muslims or of other faiths. In the province of Aceh - the only one in
the Archipelago - the Islamic law (sharia) applies and in many other areas the
influence of the Muslim religion in the lives of citizens is becoming more
radical and extreme. In addition, certain rules such as the building permit -
the infamous IMB - are exploited to prevent the building or close Christian
places of worship, as is the case for some time in Bogor regency, West Java,
for the faithful of the Yasmin Church .
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