President Joko Widodo is being called to defend freedom of religion and belief by Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) following his re-election earlier this month, in what many have called the country’s most divisive presidential campaign.
CSW are asking the leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle to take action against extremism towards religious minorities following an increased number of attacks on Christians by radical Islamic groups.
CSW warns that “the rise of religious intolerance, identity politics and violations of freedom of religion or belief” has been “further exacerbated by an election campaign which played on people’s fears, spread false information particularly via social media, and watered already existing seeds of prejudice and division”.
The report warns that religious intolerance and identity politics must be addressed to prevent Indonesia from heading “further on the path to intolerance towards extremism”.
Initiatives promoting inter-faith dialogue and the defence of freedom of religion have been highlighted in the report with CSW calling on the international community to help in strengthening these initiatives.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
… Read More
—
Click Read More to read the rest of the story from our content source/partners – Premier Christianity News.