In Indonesia’s evolving landscape of freedom of religion and belief (FoRB), the last two decades have seen regulatory strides, with the term enshrined in the constitution during the 2000 amendment to the 1945 Constitution.
Despite these advancements, real-world challenges persist, marked by numerous FoRB violations that often sideline mediation practices and the rights of those affected.
Consequently, the imperative of conflict resolution takes center stage in nurturing harmonious social relations among diverse groups.
This focal point crystallized during the Book Discussion titled “Managing Conflict, Advancing Religious Freedom,” held on Wednesday (Jan. 10) at the UGM Graduate School.
The event featured the book’s author and the Religion and Cross-Cultural Studies coordinator at the UGM Graduate School, Dr. Zainal Abidin Bagir.
Dr. Diah Kusumaningrum from the Department of International Relations, UGM Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Kharisma Kusuma from the Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Yogyakarta, and Uli Sihombing, Commissioner of the Indonesian Commission on Human Rights also joined the discussion.
Dr. Bagir underscored the strengthening advocacy for freedom of religion and belief over the past two decades, tracing back to the constitutional amendment in 2000.
However, despite this progress, cases such as the Ahmadiyah congregation attacks, the Parung case, and the Lia Eden case in 2005, along with subsequent incidents, including the GKI Yasmin church case, have spotlighted the need for proactive conflict resolution strategies.
“The GKI Yasmin church took a long time, up to 15 years,” he remarked.
In dissecting the GKI Yasmin case, Dr. Bagir argued that the decision to relocate the church, initiated by Bogor Mayor Bima Arya in 2023, should not be upheld as an exemplary model for resolving FoRB conflicts.
He contended that relocation, as a conflict resolution measure, does not align with the principles of fostering relationships between groups.
“Conflict resolution that necessitates relocation as an option should not be replicated. Conflict resolution must be carried out to build relations between groups,” the author asserted.
Dr. Bagir attributed the prolonged resolution of the GKI Yasmin case to the absence of a robust mediation process and inter-group relations. Rather than engaging in fruitful dialogue, the involved parties opted for formal legal battles, perpetuating the deadlock.
“Sincere efforts from the outset to approach all parties would not have taken 15 years. It should have been resolved earlier through mediation and negotiation, prioritizing the fulfillment of the rights of all groups to prevent prolonged legal disputes,” Dr. Bagir emphasized.
Dr. Diah Kusumaningrum added that conflicts are inherent in human coexistence but can be transformative forces for social justice if approached constructively.
She cautioned against destructive approaches relying on power and violence, advocating instead for solutions that minimize harm, prioritize social justice principles, and nurture societal skills in appreciating diversity.
“These skills can only develop with repeated training and reflection,” she noted.
Kharisma Kusuma from LBH Yogyakarta questioned the normalization of conflict through relocation, asserting that such policies often perpetuate intolerance in communities.
Drawing parallels with cases in Yogyakarta, he highlighted instances where minority groups faced pressure and intimidation from the majority.
In contrast, Kusuma pointed to a more collaborative approach in Ngentak, Sleman, where residents worked together to build a church and a mosque, fostering positive relationships.
“Unlike the GKI Yasmin case, collaboration in Ngentak showcases the potential for communities to build understanding and harmony,” Kusuma concluded.
Author: Gusti Grehenson