Abdul Khalik, Jakarta – State interference in theological issues could put minority groups in danger and be misused by larger groups, leading to suppression and violence, religious scholars warned here Thursday.
Attending the World Peace Forum in Jakarta, they said governments should show greater restraint, refraining from interpretation of theological controversies, to avoid religious tensions within society.
Scholars were asked for comments on the Indonesian government's recent decision to issue a decree banning the minority Islamic sect Jamaah Ahmadiyah from spreading its beliefs.
The three-day international conference, which ended Thursday, did not raise this as an agenda item, but many moderate Muslim scholars and human rights campaigners warned that the anti-Ahmadiyah decree could overshadow Indonesia's role in promoting global peace.
New York-based Religion for Peace secretary-general William F. Vendley said governments were elected by their citizens to do their administrative job and not for "theological expertise".
"They are mandated very clearly by their own laws to protect their citizens equally, and this includes the exercise of freedom of belief. Is it the government's job in a pluralistic society to decide which sect is authentic and which is heretical? I think not," he said.
Vendley said that to one community a teaching is a heresy, but to another community it is only a doctrine.
"Is the government's job to decide which of these communities is theologically correct, or is it the government's job to ensure there are peaceful and respectful relations that allow citizens to believe according to their conscience and deepest convictions?" he said.
Vendley said the job of protecting the right to freedom of religious belief was a primary task of governments all around the world.
The decree against Ahmadiyah was issued earlier this month as the Indonesian government bowed to intense pressure from extremist groups, including the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia.
Just days before the decree was issued, FPI followers armed with bamboo sticks brutally attacked pro-pluralism activists who were staging a rally in support of Ahmadiyah and to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the Pancasila state ideology.
Around 70 activists from the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion were either seriously or lightly wounded in the June 1 attack at the National Monument (Monas).
Many analysts have accused the government of violating the Constitution and human rights principles in the UN Charter, which all guarantee freedom of religion.
Dell Higgie, counter-terrorism ambassador for New Zealand's Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry, said all countries should abide by the international covenants on human rights and the UN Charter to help resolve religious conflicts and violence.
"So, my prescription is simple. Respect international laws at the global level and at home," she said.
Rustem Khairov, executive director of Russia's International Foundation for Survival and Development of Humanity, urged balanced news reporting about violence and conflicts. The media should avoid giving too much space to radical groups, thus promoting their objectives, he said.