While religious freedom is guaranteed in Indonesia, it is limited to five religions – Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity. Within the population, intolerance is sadly increasing, fueled by radical groups and by external influences, in particular from Saudi Arabia. In 2022, the parliament adopted a new penal code which might further increase intolerance.
You can find more on this in the December edition of “Encounter”, Mission 21’s donor magazine. The magazine also reflects the voices of partners from Mission 21 who work for communication and tolerance in Indonesia. They argue that it is important to encounter and exchange in daily life and religious occasions and that the commitment to human rights and democracy are essential for a peaceful coexistence.