Indonesia: Sharia Based Laws Creep Into Half of Provinces

Islamic-based legislation may be a key issue in this year’s elections.

DUBLIN, February 2 (Compass Direct News) – As candidates hit the campaign trail in preparation for Indonesia’s presidential election in July, rights groups have voiced strong opposition to an increasing number of sharia-inspired laws introduced by local governments. Opponents say the laws discriminate against religious minorities and violate Indonesia’s policy of Pancasila, or “unity in diversity.” With legislative elections coming in April and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono likely to form a coalition with several Islamic parties for the July presidential election, such laws could become a key campaign issue. Although Aceh is the only province completely governed by sharia (Islamic law), more than 50 regencies in 16 of 32 provinces throughout Indonesia have passed laws influenced by sharia. These laws became possible following the enactment of the Regional Autonomy Law in 2000. A lawyer from the legal firm Eleonora and Partners told Compass, “Generally the legal system regulates and guarantees religious freedom of Indonesian citizens … but in reality, discrimination prevails.” Freedom of religion is guaranteed by Article 29 of the country’s constitution, said Syafi’I Anwar, executive director of the International Center for Islam and Pluralism. “Therefore,” he said, “the government must assist all religious communities to practice their beliefs as freely as possible and take actions against those who violate that right.

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