by Mathias Hariyadi


As the country prepares to choose its new president on 9 July, the Bishops' Conference calls on the faithful to exercise their civil rights and go to the polls. The prelates lay down some moral guidelines, asking voters to make an intelligent and informed choice. They also appeal to the values ​​of democracy, Pancasila and the Constitution of 1945.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - In the run-up to the presidential election of 9 July, the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) has issued an appeal to Catholics to exercise their civil rights and choose a new head of state and his deputy by casting their ballot and voting according to their conscience.

In their statement, the prelates outlined some moral guidelines for voters. As they did in April for the country's parliamentary election, they urge the faithful to make an intelligent choice.

In particular, they want Catholics to study the life and political career of the candidates and their "professional portfolio". They also call for close monitoring of the vote so that it goes off without a hitch or manipulation.

For the bishops, future leaders must possess a moral integrity to enable them to perform better the task that awaits them: leading the nation. For this reason, they urge the faithful to look at the different candidates with open eyes, especially when they have already served or still hold public office.

Governor of Jakarta Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Deputy Jusuf Kalla, former vice president during outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's first term, and General Prabowo Subianto and Hatta Radjasa are the two leading tickets. Surveys indicate that the first is slightly ahead, but that the race is still open and could go the wire.

For Indonesian bishops, politicians who aspire to positions of national trust must show a desire to serve others rather than take advantage of their position for personal gain.

Prelates ask Catholics to look at those who uphold the principles and values ​​of democracy, defend Pancasila (the nation's pillars) and the 1945 Constitution.

Unemployment, the protection of migrant workers and tolerance among the various ethno-religious groups are among other top priorities. 

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim (Sunni) nation in the world (86 per cent Muslim).

Christians represent 5.7 per cent of the population with Catholics just over 3 per cent. Hindus are 1.8 per cent; another 3.4 per cent belong to other religions.

Although the country's constitution recognises basic freedoms, like personal liberty and freedom of religion, it has increasingly become the scene of violence and abuse against minorities.

Christians have in particular become the victims of acts of violence and abuse, especially in places like Aceh where extremist versions of Islam have become entrenched.

• indonesia
• politics
• bishops
• appeal
• catholic
• voters