Lupa Kata Sandi? Klik di Sini

atau Masuk melalui

Belum Memiliki Akun Daftar di Sini


atau Daftar melalui

Sudah Memiliki Akun Masuk di Sini

Konfirmasi Email

Kami telah mengirimkan link aktivasi melalui email ke rudihamdani@gmail.com.

Klik link aktivasi dan dapatkan akses membaca 2 artikel gratis non Laput di koran dan Majalah Tempo

Jika Anda tidak menerima email,
Kirimkan Lagi Sekarang

Bring Back the Old Yogya

Translator

Editor

21 February 2018 14:36 WIB

Police officers investigate inside St. Lidwina Church following an attack in Sleman, Yogyakarta province, Feb. 11, 2018. Police shot a sword-wielding man who attack the church during a mass, injuring a number of people including a German priest. AP

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The attack on the Saint Lidwina Church in Sleman reinforces the perception that Yogyakarta is becoming increasingly intolerant. As a place where people from diverse cultural backgrounds and faiths live together, Yogyakarta is facing a serious crisis.

Before the attack on the church, intolerant groups in the region had already carried out a number of assaults on people from other religious groups. Hard-line groups have halted the building of churches, disbanded worshippers, banned discussions, stopped film screenings, opposed volunteer work and vandalized graves.

Several surveys by the non-profit Wahid Institute-now the Wahid Foundation-have found Yogyakarta to be an intolerant city. In 2014, it was ranked as the second least tolerant city in Indonesia. Of 154 violations of freedom of religion, 21 took place in the college city. Last year, an investigation by the Setara Institute and the Presidential Pancasila Working Unit also placed Yogyakarta among the 10 least tolerant cities.

The attack on the Saint Lidwina Church has not only worried the people of Yogyakarta. The incident happened amid attacks on religious figures in various locations. In Bandung, the caretaker of a pesantren (Islamic boarding school) and a member of an Islamic organization was attacked; one person was killed. In Tangerang, Banten, a young monk was verbally abused and forced to apologize for holding a joint religious event in his home.

Many people do not believe that these events are simply a coincidence. Speculations are growing, with some trying to identify the "mastermind" behind the attacks. To put an end to wild speculations that may end in horizontal conflict, the authorities must take resolute action against those responsible and uncover their motives.

The attack on the Saint Lidwina Church and on religious figures indicate that tolerance among the people is under threat. Our respect for differences that have kept the country together is also at stake.

Restoring broken social relationships is a pressing need. The sympathetic action of followers of different religions when they came together to clean up the Saint Lidwina church in Yogyakarta deserves appreciation. Such acts, should they continue, would give a sense of security to minority groups who have been victimized. No less important, actions that demonstrate mutual respect will send a signal of opposition to intolerant groups.

But public initiatives alone are not enough. The nation’s leaders, at all levels, must take firm action and refuse to compromise with intolerant groups. Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X should not hesitate to lead his people in declaring "war" on all forms of intolerance.

A firm stance from the Sultan would be opposed by intolerant groups, but with all his influence and authority, the Sultan need not fear. After all, in any society, intolerant extremist groups are a minority.

The internal family concern of preparing a successor to the sultanate should not turn the Sultan into a hostage who must support intolerant groups outside the palace. Remember, the Yogyakarta people’s tradition of "living in harmony" was the fruit of tolerance. Without swift action in dealing with the crisis of intolerance, the city would only move further away from its original values. 

Read the full article in this week's edition of Tempo English Magazine



Many Brokers in Indonesian Politics

2 jam lalu

Many Brokers in Indonesian Politics

Parties supporting Prabowo Subianto are vying for ministerial posts. There is a wish to see the PDI-P join the coalition.


Election Fraud in a Neighboring Country

20 jam lalu

Election Fraud in a Neighboring Country

Seven members of the Kuala Lumpur PPLN are proven to have inflated the number of voters for the 2024 elections.


Because the State Is Not an Entrepreneur

1 hari lalu

Because the State Is Not an Entrepreneur

The government plans to accelerate the privatization of state-owned enterprises. Stop paying out budget funds for state companies.


Ignoring the Rights of Indigenous People

2 hari lalu

Ignoring the Rights of Indigenous People

Indigenous people are taking legal action against the President and the DPR for delaying deliberations of a bill. It has taken second place to the int


BTN Syariah's Acquisition of Bank Muamalat

7 hari lalu

BTN Syariah's Acquisition of Bank Muamalat

The government is to combine BTN's Sharia business unit with Bank Muamalat. This could lead to problems.


Lackadaisical Disaster Mitigation

7 hari lalu

Lackadaisical Disaster Mitigation

Hydrometeorological disasters hit a number of areas in Indonesia. Ironically, mitigation efforts are not yet a priority.


Child Pornography Syndicate in Indonesia

8 hari lalu

Child Pornography Syndicate in Indonesia

The crime of child pornography is continuing to spread. Perpetrators can operate from inside the jail.


Jokowi's Hand in the Golkar Party

9 hari lalu

Jokowi's Hand in the Golkar Party

Jokowi has ambitions to take control of the Golkar Party. It is his new way to stay relevant to those in power.


The Backers of Illegal Tin Mining

13 hari lalu

The Backers of Illegal Tin Mining

The Attorney General's Office is investigating alleged corruption over tin mining permits in Bangka Belitung.


The Importance of the Right of Inquiry

14 hari lalu

The Importance of the Right of Inquiry

Jokowi is taking Indonesia right back to the start of the Reformasi era. The right of inquiry could be a way to save democracy.