Ahmadiyya Banning By Provinces Are In Line With Constitution

Posted on Mar 14, 2011

The Indonesian Interior Minister Gamawan Fauzi says that local governor regulation in some areas banning Ahmadiyya member from congregate and showing their attribute are in line with the Indonesian constitution.

According to the Minister, who used to be a Governor himself, the Law has made it clear that local governments could follow up on the Central Government affairs if there is an assignment by the central government.

The Ministar was a West Sumatera Governor before

And although the Local Governments in itself do not have the authority to issue a decree or regulation with regard to religion, according to Gamawan, The Three Minister Joint Decree (SKB) regarding Ahmadiyya can be used as a reference for Governors in their own area. “As long as the rule refers to the SKB and not against it, there is no problem with the substance of the SKB,” said the Minister.

Gamawan added that the Government would not disband Ahmadiyya, but only freeze their activities that are scattered throughout the Indonesian archipelago. The Interior Ministry will oversee and foster Ahmadiyya in term of organization.

However, The Vice Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, Ridha Saleh, regretted the Interior Minister statement.

According to Rida, the governor’s rule is very contradictory with the existing regulations, because the Indonesian constitution guarantees every citizen to practice their faith and can not be disturbed under any circumstances.

Interior Minister said Riha should immediately evaluate local laws that prohibit Ahmadiyya activities. If not, it is more than likely increases the violence and discrimination against the Ahmadiyya.

“The central government should at least give direction to the Local Government on how the regulation of religious life to avoid impression that the policy is suppressing a particular belief” said Ridha.

Meanwhile, General Secretary of Central Board of Ahmadiyya Indonesia, Dudung Abdullatif, insisted that no unlawful activities are being undertaken by Ahmadis. For the moment, said Dudung, they will review the local laws that prohibit activities of Ahmadis. “We will study it with our attorney, there are things or our basic rights as citizens of the Ahmadiyya beingh trampled on,” said Dudung Abdullatif. (VOA)