The Easter celebration is synonymous with resurrection and peace. This is an opportunity for this country to rise from the pandemic, rise in diversity and rise in peace.
By
KOMPAS EDITOR
·3 minutes read
NASRUN KATINGKA
The inauguration ceremony of the West Bogor Indonesian Christian Church, Bogor, Sunday (9/4/2023). Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD inaugurated the church accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian and Bogor Mayor Bima Arya.
"This country is a country based on the national constitution that is having God,” said Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD.
Mahfud, who is also a professor of constitutional law at the Indonesian Islamic University (UII) in Yogyakarta, made the statement at the inauguration of the West Bogor Christian Church (GKI) in Bogor, West Java, on Sunday (9/4/2023). He was accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian and Bogor Mayor Bima Arya at the inauguration of the church, which was once called GKI Yasmin. The inauguration ended the waiting for the congregation, because the construction of the church had been delayed for more than 15 years. The permit to establish a house of worship on the land has existed since 2006, even though its processing began in 2002. (Kompas.id, 9/4/2023)
The inauguration of the church was carried out after the congregation carried out an Easter service. Sunday (9/4) must have been among the most beautiful commemorations of the resurrection of Jesus Christ for the people of GKI Yasmin and many of the minority Christians in this country. The state was felt to be present at the inauguration of the church in accordance with the guarantee in the 1945 Constitution. The state is obliged to guarantee the right to worship for every religious community. However, in a number of regions, there is still a ban on the construction of houses of worship, violence based on religion and other acts of intolerance.
In the middle of January, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo also noted that the Constitution was a fundamental law that guaranteed the freedom of the citizens of the country to worship. The 1945 Constitution must not be defeated by regional regulations or agreements among groups of people in regions. In a number of regions, agreement made in religious forums are used to obstruct the construction of houses of worship. Based on the notes of the Setara Institute, in 2021 (the latest year with data), there were 20 cases of rejection of the establishment of houses of worship, 12 incidents of attacks and 10 cases of destruction of places of worship.
RONY ARIYANTO NUGROHO
Bogor Mayor Bima Arya Sugiarto delivers a speech during the symbolic handover of the land grant for the construction of GKI Yasmin in the courtyard of the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI) on Jalan Court, Bogor City, West Java, Sunday (13/6/2021).
According to Bima Arya, who has served since 2013, the construction of West Bogor GKI was through a long road or "middle road", among others, by finding a new location. Tito Karnavian admitted the long process was part of a persuasive communication approach. Respectful dialogue had to be put forward so that none of the parties in conflict felt disadvantaged. A way out was found.
A number of regional heads, for example, the regent of Lumajang, East Java, Thoriqul Haq, and the regent of Pekalongan, Central Java, Fadia A Rafiq, showed a partiality in the enforcement of the freedom of religion in this country.
However, not a few regional heads have declined to comply with the Constitution in this regard, even closing houses of worship because they were considered to lack permission to operate. In fact, it should be the government that facilitates the permit.
At his 2023 Easter commemoration, Pope Francis gave a message of concern. Nowadays the world is getting deeper into the culture of violence. Christians are asked to fight violence and protect weak citizens as well.
The Easter celebration is synonymous with resurrection and peace. This is an opportunity for this country to rise from the pandemic, rise in diversity and rise in peace.
