Komnas HAM Awards Bekasi for Promoting Religious Tolerance

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has awarded the Bekasi administration for its efforts in promoting religious tolerance in the city. Bekasi mayor Rahmat Effendi received the award directly from Komnas HAM for his commitment to protecting religious freedom, along with mayors of Bandung and Manado.

"I dedicate this award to all Bekasi residents," Rahmat said on Friday, March 17, 2017.

Rahmat explained that the award reflects the Bekasi administration’s success in settling a conflict related to the construction of four churches that received rejections from local people. With such a success, Rahmat claimed that the Bekas administration had been consistent by issuing construction permits for the churches.

"As the government, we were trying to establish a conducive situation," Rahmat added.

Rahmat revealed that the permit issuances had been in accordance with the procedures.

"The requirements have been met. It’s only fair for us to issue [the permit]," Rahmat said.

Despite pressures from certain groups, Rahmat guaranteed that he would not revoke the permit. Rahmat asserted that the government must be fair and guarantee religious freedom for the people.

"Regional heads must comply with the law, instead of being scared of pressures," Rahmat said.

Rahmat also pledged that he would build communications with religious leaders and organizations.

"The intense communication is a part of an effort to guarantee the rights of 342,000 non-Muslim people in Bekasi," Rahmat said, adding that he had formed a religious affairs council in Bekasi.

ADI WARSONO