Amnesty International Indonesia Challenges Minister's Claim on Religious Harmony

Amnesty International Indonesia has challenged the assertion by Indonesia's Religious Affairs Minister, Nasaruddin Umar, that the nation has reached an unprecedented level of socio-religious harmony. Minister Umar made the statement during a prayer at the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony on August 17, 2026.

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Almost every year, there are hundreds of violations of freedom of religion and belief that harm interfaith harmony.

Wirya Adiwena, Deputy Director of Amnesty International Indonesia, argued that the minister's claim is contradicted by the realities on the ground. He stated that hundreds of violations of freedom of religion and belief occur annually, significantly impacting interfaith relations. Data from the Setara Institute indicates 221 religious freedom violations in 2025, while Amnesty International Indonesia documented at least five cases of discrimination from January to August 2026.

Specific instances highlighted by Amnesty include the banning of Eid al-Fitr prayers for Muhammadiyah congregants in several regencies in March 2026. Furthermore, the persistent issue of resistance to the construction of houses of worship was noted, with a recent incident in Surabaya on August 14, 2026, where local residents opposed the building of a church. Amnesty International found it ironic that the minister made his claim shortly after this event.

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The Minister of Religious Affairs' claims hurt the feelings of victims of discrimination and intolerance.

Adiwena believes the minister's statements are hurtful to victims of intolerance and discrimination. He urged the government to repeal the 2008 Joint Decree, which he claims is frequently used to justify discrimination against minority religious groups. Additionally, Amnesty called for the repeal of Joint Ministerial Regulations No. 9 and 8 of 2006, which they argue create practical obstacles for minority groups seeking to build places of worship and subject them to pressure from majority communities. Amnesty stressed that freedom of religion is a constitutional right and that the government must act as an equal protector of all citizens.

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Freedom of religion is an absolute human right guaranteed by the constitution. The government must act as a protector for all citizens equally, not act as an actor violating the right to freedom of religion and belief.