TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo has allowed Indonesian citizens to leave their religion section in an ID card blank, if their religion is not included in the six acknowledged religions in Indonesia.
"If the religion is [included] in the six acknowledged religions, they have to fill it," said Tjahjo during the Religious Freedom Congress 2016 in Jakarta on Tuesday, February 23, 2016.
Although citizens are allowed to leave their religion section of their ID blank, Minister Tjahjo said that authorities will still record complete residential data for administration purposes. "It will help the government in creating a database for the next general election," said Tjahjo.
Moreover, Tjahjo said that the government will help to facilitate administration process of ID card and birth certificate issuance for all religious believers. "Hopefully, it can be realized in 2016," said Tjahjo.
The move received positive response from religious freedom activist Yenny Wahid. However, Yenny demanded the government to stay true to their commitment and promises because in reality, many people from different beliefs are having difficulties to acquire ID cards.
ISTMAN MP
