Indonesia bans forced religious attire in state schools
Move follows one school s attempt to force a Christian student to wear a Muslim headscarf
Indonesian Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Anwar Makarim announces a new decree banning state schools from interfering in the religious beliefs of students and teachers on Feb. 3. (Photo: YouTube)
The Indonesian government has issued a decree banning state schools from interfering in the religious beliefs of students and teachers in a move that is being hailed as part of increased efforts to ensure the Muslim-majority country remains inclusive.
The decree was announced on Feb. 3 following an outcry last month after a state vocational senior high school in Padang, West Sumatra province, ordered all female students to wear a hijab.
Story highlights
Rising anti-Muslim sentiment in countries like China and Myanmar as well as the West against the backdrop of increased support for anti-migration and extreme nationalist groups, and far-right populist parties is proving to be a boost for contenders for religious soft power in and leadership of the Muslim world.
Think the Muslim world is united in opposing Islamophobia? Think twice.
Rising anti-Muslim sentiment in countries like China and Myanmar as well as the West against the backdrop of increased support for anti-migration and extreme nationalist groups, and far-right populist parties is proving to be a boost for contenders for religious soft power in and leadership of the Muslim world.
Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili has called on youths in the country to embrace peace and focus on how they can make a difference now and in the future.
Reverend Sumaili explained youths should cherish peace and unity as they are future leaders and current partners in the country’s development.
Ms Sumaili pointed out that there is no place for hate, racism and prejudice as the country strives to achieve the agenda 2030 for sustainable development.
She made the remarks yesterday when she graced the virtual Holocaust Commemoration in Lusaka.
“Holocaust means a lot to Zambia as we have over the years been known as the beacon of peace in the region. You should be interested to know that some Jews who survived the holocaust came to Zambia and settled in places such as Livingstone and I encourage everyone to visit Livingstone and see the Holocaust museum,” she said.
Indonesian minister extolls virtues of moderate beliefs
Religious affairs minister calls on Catholics to support the fight against extremists
Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Qolil Qoumas (white shirt), Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo and Father Agustinus Heri Wibowo (third right) at Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Jakarta during a visit by the minister on Jan. 22. (Photo courtesy of Religious Affairs Ministry)
Indonesia’s Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Qolil Qoumas has stressed the need to cultivate moderate views across all religions to counter radicalism in society during a visit to Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Church in Jakarta.
Cardinal Ignatius Suharyo Hardjoatmodjo of Jakarta, chairman of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), and several priests including Father Agustinus Heri Wibowo, executive secretary of KWI’s Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs, welcomed the minister at the cathedral.