Amnesty International: Protect Bekasi's Hindu Community
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15 May 2019 08:37 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amnesty International urges the Indonesian Home Affairs Ministry and Religious Affairs Ministry to assure that the local Bekasi Administration is able to accommodate its Hindu community and fulfill their basic rights.
Amnesty International Executive Director Usman Hamid revealed that the Hindu community amounting to 7,000 people living in Sukatani sub-district, Bekasi Regency, has yet to have a temple constructed for their spiritual worship.
Read: Amnesty International Demands Jokowi's Promise on Human Rights
“The regency’s Hindu community planned to construct one for the first time but was met with serious resistance from a group of people. This adds to the long list of intolerance against Indonesia’s religious minorities,” said Usman Hamid on Tuesday.
The closest temple in reach for the Hindu community there and the only option for Hindus in the city and district is Pura Agung Tirta Bhuana which is located dozens of kilometers in Jakasampura, Bekasi City. Bekasi is currently home to 29,000 Hindu people.
“The courage to protect the basic rights for minorities and providing legal compliance was once shown by Bekasi Mayor for the Santa Clara Church,” Usman reminded.
IRSYAN HASYIM (CONTRIBUTOR)
