Gov't React to Destroyed Christian Cross Symbol in Yogyakarta
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19 December 2018 18:23 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The vandalized cross symbol belonging to a Christian grave in one of Yogyakarta’s public cemetery caught the attention of Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, who said that he will thoroughly study the case.
Tjahjo said that his ministry will take active measures after they have received a complete report on the case. “In terms of handing a warning, we’re still studying this [case], we don’t know yet,” said the minister today, Dec. 19, at the Vice Presidential Palace, Jakarta.
He maintains that the government in its principle constantly tries to prevent intolerance from happening, which is one of many elements to determine a government’s level of success.
Christian cross symbol installed over Albertus Slamet Sugiardi’s grave in Kotagede, Yogyakarta, had its top vertical piece cut off by local residents after the community agreed to not have any symbols other than from Islam since they intend to turn the cemetery into an exclusively Muslim cemetery.
Local public figure Bedjo Mulyono said that the action of cutting off parts of the Christian cross was already approved by the deceased’s relatives prior to it being cut. “It was based on the deal that was made between residents and the deceased’s family,” said Bedjo.
VINDRY FLORENTIN
