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Indonesia: Government of city of Bekasi close down an Ahmadi mosque, allegedly at the demands of non-tolerant groups

Asian Human Rights Commission Urgent Appeal - April 10, 2013

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-060-2013

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received the information regarding the closing down of an Ahmadi mosque in the city of Bekasi, West Java. Since its establishment fourteen years ago, the mosque has been complying with the legal requirements prescribed by law. Authorities of the city of Bekasi referred to the joint ministerial decree which bans religious activities by the Ahmadi community as the reason of why the mosque was closed down yet there is suspicion that it was done at the demands of non-tolerant groups.

Case narrative:

Based on an interview held by the AHRC with one of the leaders of the Ahmadi congregation, around 100 members of the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) came to Al Misbah, an Ahmadi mosque located in Jatibening, Bekasi, on 4 April 2013 at around 6.30 pm. With the support from the police, the Public Order Agency installed corrugated sheet fence around the mosque to prevent the Ahmadi congregation to hold religious activities in it. The instalment of the fence left 40 members of the Ahmadi congregation locked inside the mosque. The police were present during the installation of the fence and provided support to the Public Order Agency. They gave the warning that any attempt to break the fence will be treated as a crime as it was installed upon the order of the Mayor of Bekasi city.

Previously on 14 February 2013 the government of city of Bekasi put a sign in front of the mosque prohibiting any activities to be conducted there. The sign cited several regulations prohibiting the Ahmadi including the Joint Ministerial Decree issued in 2008, Regulation of the Governor of West Java No. 12 Year 2011 and Regulation of the Mayor of Bekasi No. 40 Year 2011. Later in early March, government officials of City of Bekasi visited the mosque for the second time. It was told that the aim of the visit was to re-negotiate the closure of the mosque with the Ahmadi congregation. However, as the negotiation between the government officials and the representatives of Ahmadi community was ongoing inside the mosque, members of the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) locked the front gate of the mosque, indicating the government has officially 'sealed' the building. In addition to it, the Satpol PP locked the secondary and back ones, leaving some of the members of Ahmadi congregation who were still inside the mosque trapped. The AHRC was informed that the locked congregation members managed to get out through a hole made on the wall.

A leader of the affected Ahmadi congregation told the AHRC that there had never been any issue with the presence of the mosque until this year. All legal requirements prescribed by the law had been met by the Ahmadi congregation in establishing and maintaining the mosque since its establishment in 1999. The government of city of Bekasi claimed that they merely enforcing the law which prohibits the Ahmadi from conducting any religious activities but there is an allegation that the closure of the mosque was held upon the request of non-tolerant groups. The allegation was supported with the fact that members of Islam Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam, FPI) and Islam Defenders Troops (Laskar Pembela Islam, LPI) were present in all three mentioned occasions related to the plan to shut down the mosque. In addition to that, the AHRC has received an unconfirmed report revealing that local government officials themselves had admitted in closed meetings that there had been pressure from non-tolerant groups to close down the Ahmadi's mosque.

Please refer to the following video made by an independent journalist for further reference on the case.

Additional information:

The FPI is one of the most notorious non-tolerant groups in Indonesia whose members have been involved in the persecution and discrimination against religious minority groups. Towards the end of March this year, for instance, the AHRC published an urgent appeal regarding the demolition of a church by the authorities of Regency of Bekasi which was allegedly performed upon the request of the non-tolerant group. Last year, members of the Ahmadi in Batam were threatened, ill-treated and 'arrested' and the congregation in Singaparna had their mosque attacked by the FPI. All the wrongdoings perpetrated by the group in these cases were conducted with the acquiescence of the police officers.

Despite the common mistreatment of religious minority groups by the FPI, little have been done by Indonesian law enforcement officials to bring the members of the organisation to justice. Cases on attacks by the FPI towards religious minorities are hardly investigated and, if it is so, the punishment imposed on those who are responsible is very light and disproportionate. For example, a member of the group who was responsible for vandalising an Ahmadi mosque in Bandung, West Java, last year was sentenced only to 3,5 months imprisonment for property destruction.

Whereas Indonesia had a law on anti-discrimination, such law is applicable only for cases concerning racial and ethnic discrimination but not the religious one. Under the current available laws, religious discriminatory motive in committing crimes is not treated as an aggravating factor.

Suggested action:

Please write to the listed authorities below urging them to halt the infringement on the Ahmadi congregation's right to manifest their religion. Please ask the local government to repeal its order to shut down their place of worship and provide rehabilitation for the affected congregation.

The AHRC is writing separately to the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief as well as the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues.

To support this appeal, please click here: http://www.urgentappeals.net/support.php?ua=AHRC-UAC-060-2013.

Sample letter:

Dear ___________,

Indonesia: Government of city of Bekasi close down an Ahmadi mosque, allegedly upon non-tolerant groups' request

  • Name of victim: Ahmadi congregation in Jatibening, Bekasi
  • Names of alleged perpetrators: Mayor of City of Bekasi, Islam Defenders Front (FPI), Islam Defenders Troops (LPI), City of Bekasi District Police
  • Date of incident: 14 February 2013 – present (ongoing)
  • Place of incident: Jatibening, City of Bekasi, West Java

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the closure of Al Misbah, an Ahmadi mosque in city of Bekasi by the local authorities. I have been informed that on 4 April 2013, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) installed corrugated sheet fence around the mosque as the last attempt of the local government to stop religious activities by the Ahmadi in the area of Jatibening. I was told that despite the fact that 40 members of the Ahmadi congregation was trapped inside the mosque due to the instalment of the fence, the police prohibited any attempt to break the fence and claimed it would be treated as a crime.

I am aware that the fence instalment was not the only attempt of the government to stop the religious activities of the Ahmadi community in Jatibening. Earlier on 14 February 2013, the government put a sign in front of the mosque claiming the prohibition of religious activities by the Ahmadi. A month later on 8 March 2013, the government also ordered the Public Order Agency to lock the gates of the mosque preventing the members of Ahmadi congregation from holding mass prayers.

The city government argued that the closure of the mosque was only a conduct of law enforcement as the activities of Ahmadi are prohibited under various laws in Indonesia. However, I have been informed that there is an allegation that the closure of the mosque was ordered by the city government upon the request of non-tolerant groups such as the Islam Defenders Front (Front Pembela Islam, FPI) and Islam Defenders Troops (Laskar Pembela Islam, LPI). This allegation, for instance, was based on the presence of the non-tolerant groups during the mentioned three occasions related to the closure of the mosque. In addition to that, the non-tolerant groups particularly the FPI has been involved in the persecution and discrimination against religious minority groups in the past. My local source also informed me that in closed meetings several representatives of the city government had admitted that there have been requests from the non-tolerant groups for the closure of the mosque.

I wish to remind you that as a state official, you have the obligation to provide equal protection for every member of society including those who belong to minority groups such as the Ahmadi. I regret that instead of educating the society at large on the importance of celebrating diversity and respecting each others' rights, you have decided to endorse the non-tolerance attitude expressed by particular groups.

I would like to emphasise that even if the allegation on the influence of non-tolerant groups to the decision on shutting down the mosque is not proven to be true, it does not diminish the fact that you have violated the right of the Ahmadi congregation to manifest their religion. The laws and regulations prohibiting religious activities of the Ahmadi that you have been referring in justifying the closing down of the mosque are discriminatory, unjust and not in compliance with the right to freedom of religion.

I am therefore urging you to provide rehabilitation to the Ahmadi congregation in Jatibening, Bekasi, whose rights had been violated by your decision to shut down their mosque. They should be allowed to conduct religious activities in it and any damage caused by your action should be covered by the state. Equally important, I am expecting you to withdraw the laws and regulations prohibiting the Ahmadi's religious activities and disregard any requests from non-tolerant groups to discriminate the Ahmadi and other minorities. Instead, anybody who incites others to discriminate minority groups should be prosecuted and punished in accordance with human rights standards.

I look forward to receive your adequate and swift response in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Please send your letters to:

1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 386 3777, 350 3088.
Fax: + 62 21 344 2223, 3483 4759
E-mail: presiden@ri.go.id

2. Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo
General Director of Human Rights
Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889
Fax: +62 21 525 3095

3. Dr. H. Rahmat Effendi
Mayor of City of Bekasi
Jl. Jendral Ahmad Yani No. 1
Bekasi
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 8896 1767 (ext. 107)
Fax: +62 21 8895 9980
E-mail: telematika@bekasikota.go.id

4. Gen. Timur Pradopo
Chief of the Indonesian National Police
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@polri.go.id

5. Mr. Priyo Wydianto
Chief of City of Bekasi District Police
Jl. Ki Hajar Dewantara No. 1
Cikarang 17550
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 8911 3533

6. Ms. Siti Nur Laila
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission
Jl. Latuharhary No.4-B
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
Email: info@komnas.go.id

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)

Indonesia: Intimidation of Ahmadis escalates in Singkut, Jambi

Asian Human Rights Commission Urgent Appeal - December 16, 2013

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-155-2013

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information regarding intimidation by hundreds of villagers together with members of an intolerant group against the Ahmadi congregation in Singkut, Jambi – It was reported that the intimidation is a continuation of previous threats against two Ahmadi families that took place last month, which resulted in the relocation of these families outside their village.

Case narrative:

According to Padang Legal Aid Institute (LBH Padang) and Ahmad Ilyas from the Indonesian Ahmadi Congregation (JAI), some 250-300 villagers and members of the Indonesian Islamic Student Association (Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia, PMII) Sorolangun conducted a 'protest' at the office of JAI Singkut at 10:30 a.m. on 4 December 2013. Among other things, they demanded that the Ahmadis leave Singkut, take down their organisation's sign board, and embrace the 'real' teachings of Islam.

A negotiation between the leader of Ahmadi Singkut and the intolerant mob took place, and was mediated by several state officials, including the Deputy Chief of Sarolangun District Police and some members of the military. LBH Padang reported that, after the negotiation, the Ahmadi half-heartedly agreed to take down the JAI's sign board themselves. Pressure from the protesting villagers and the PMII members eventually resulted in the sign board being taken down by the Public Order Agency at 12.00 p.m.

In early November 2013, it had been reported that approximately 80 villagers and members of an intolerant group intimidated two Ahmadi families living in Pelawan Jaya village. They demanded that the two families either give up their religious beliefs or leave the village. Among the crowd was the Head of Pelawan Jaya village, Arifin, who stated that he would not take any responsibility if 'something (bad)' happened to the family. Being repeatedly intimidated not only by the villagers but also the leaders of Pelawan Jaya village, the two families decided to move out. One family moved to Bengkulu province, whereas the other made their way to Batu Putih village.

Additional information:

In an interview with the AHRC, Ahmad Ilyas of JAI Singkut mentioned that it was only in 2013 that his congregation experienced direct intimidation from intolerant groups. In previous years, the intimidation was indirect – there were only rumours that the Ahmadis in Singkut were not safe. LBH Padang suspected that the escalating intimidation was triggered by the issuance of an instruction by the Regent of Sarolangun, in July 2013. It called for the prohibition of religious activities by the Ahmadi. Prior to the issuance of the instruction, Cek Endra, the Regent, mentioned to the media that the growth of the Ahmadis in Singkut is 'everybody's homework'.

The instruction refers to the 2008 Joint Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Attorney General and the Minister of the Interior as well as Jambi Governor Regulation No. 27 Year 2011 – both are higher regulations prohibiting Ahmadis' activities.

Intimidation and discrimination in Indonesia against religious minorities, including the Ahmadis, has been ongoing for the past few years. Earlier this year, the AHRC reported the closing down of three Ahmadi mosques in Cianjur and another one in Bekasi, West Java. In 2011, three Ahmadi members were murdered in Cikeusik. Twelve individuals involved in the killing were sentenced to a light punishment of three to six months imprisonment.

Concerns have been raised by the international community, including the UN, on the state of religious intolerance in Indonesia. In a human rights review at the UN this year, the Human Rights Committee expressed its concern on 'failure of the part of State authorities to protect victims of violent attacks motivated by religious hatred'. Responding to the concerns raised by several states during the Universal Periodic Review in 2012, the Indonesian government promised to review existing laws and policies to ensure their compatibility with the right to freedom of religion or belief. There has been no indication, however, that the government will fulfil its promise as of today.

Suggested action:

Please write to the authorities listed below, asking for their intervention in this case. The relevant authorities should also take steps to ensure the escalating tension in Singkut will not lead to further discrimination or persecution. Please urge them to withdraw discriminatory laws and regulations against religious minorities.

The AHRC is writing separately to the UN Independent Expert on Minority Issues as well as the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief.

To support this appeal, please click here: http://www.urgentappeals.net/support.php?ua=AHRC-UAC-154-2013.

Sample letter:

Dear ___________,

Indonesia: Intimidation of Ahmadis escalates in Singkut, Jambi

  • Name of victim: Members of Indonesian Ahmadi Congregation (JAI) in Singkut, Jambi
  • Names of alleged perpetrators: Head of Pelawan Jaya Village (Arifin) and unidentified villagers and members of the Indonesian Islamic Student Association (Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia, PMII) Sarolangun.
  • Date of incident: 4 December 2013
  • Place of incident: Singkut, Jambi

I am writing to voice my deep concern regarding the escalating intimidation against the Ahmadi congregation in Singkut, Jambi – I have received information that on 4 December 2013 at 10.30 a.m., some 250-300 villagers and members of the Indonesian Islamic Students Association (Persatuan Mahasiswa Islam Indonesia, PMII) came to the office of the Indonesian Ahmadi Congregation (Jemaah Ahmadiyah Indonesia, JAI). They held a 'protest' demanding members of JAI leave Singkut, take down JAI's sign board, and embrace the 'real' teachings of Islam. After an attempt to negotiate, eventually the JAI's sign board was taken down by public order officers at 12 p.m.

I am aware that such intimidation was a continuance of threats previously directed to two Ahmadi families in the area. I was informed that in early November 2013, approximately 80 individuals came to the houses of two Ahmadi families and demanded that they either give up their religious beliefs or leave the Pelawan Jaya village. In the end, the Ahmadi families decided to leave the village, due to the harsh and repeated intimidation. Instead of protecting them, the Head of Pelawan Jaya Village intimidated them and expressed his intention to wash his hands of them, mentioning 'he would not responsible if 'something' happened to them.

I have received various reports regarding the discrimination and religious-based violence in Indonesia against religious minorities – including the Ahmadis. I was informed, for instance, that three Ahmadi mosques in Cianjur and one in Bekasi were forcibly closed down by intolerant groups in collaboration with the local authorities. I am also aware that in 2011, three Ahmadis were killed in Cikeusik, simply due to their beliefs. Knowing how dangerous it can be for religious minorities to live in Indonesia, I am concerned with the current escalating intimidation against the Ahmadis in Singkut.

I note with concern that the intimidation against the Ahmadis in Singkut started only this year. It started after the issuance of an instruction by the Regent of Sarolangun in July 2013 calling for the prohibition of religious activities by the Ahmadi. In the instruction, the Regent of Sarolangun refers to the 2008 Joint Decree of the Minister of Religious Affairs, the Attorney General and the Minister of the Interior on the same matter. The enactment of this decree has resulted in the birth of discriminatory local regulations, such as Jambi Governor Regulation No. 27 year 2011, which are in effect used to justify discrimination against the Ahmadi.

Given its discriminatory nature as well as its effect in influencing the issuance of other discriminatory regulations against the Ahmadi, I am making a strong request: ensure that the 2008 Joint Decree and discriminatory regulations against the Ahmadis and other religious minorities are revoked in accordance with international human rights law. At the UN Universal Periodic Review, the Indonesian government had promised to withdraw or revise such regulations in accordance with international human rights laws.

In the particular case of intimidation against the Ahmadis in Singkut, precautionary measures should be taken so that the intimidation will not get worse and extend the list of violations of freedom of religion in Indonesia. The government should send a clear message to the public in Singkut that any act of intimidation, threat and/or violence will be punished in accordance with the law. A criminal investigation against individuals who have threatened the two Ahmadi families would be a good starting point. At the same time, government officials should not be involved in any acts discriminating against the Ahmadis.

I look forward to your swift and positive response in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Please send your letters to:

1. Mr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
President of Republic of Indonesia
Jl. Veteran No. 16
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 386 3777, 350 3088.
Fax: + 62 21 344 2223, 3483 4759
E-mail: presiden@ri.go.id

2. Ms. Harkristuti Harkrisnowo
General Director of Human Rights
Ministry of Law and Human Rights
Jl. HR Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7
Kuningan, Jakarta 12940
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 525 3006, 525 3889
Fax: +62 21 525 3095

3. Mr. Suryadharma Ali
Minister of Religious Affairs
Jl. Lapangan Benteng Barat No. 3-4
Jakarta 10710
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 381 1679
Fax: +62 21 381 1436
E-mail: pinmas@kemenag.go.id

4. Mr. Gamawan Fauzi
Minister of Interior
Jl. Medan Merdeka Utara No. 7
Jakarta Pusat
Tel: +62 21 345 0038
Fax: +62 21 385 1193
E-mail: pusdatinkomtel@depdagri.go.id

5. Mr. Basrief Arief
Attorney General
Jl. Sultan Hassanudin No. 1
Kebayoran Baru
Jakarta Selatan
Tel: +62 21 722 1269
Fax: +62 21 725 1277
E-mail: humas_puspenkum@yahoo.co.uk

6. Gen. Sutarman
Chief of the Indonesian National Police
Jl. Trunojoyo No. 3
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan 12110
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 384 8537, 726 0306
Fax: +62 21 7220 669
E-mail: info@polri.go.id

7. Brig. Gen. Budi Gunawan
Chief of Jambi Regional Police
Jl. Bhayangkara
Jambi
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 741 22888
Fax: +62 741 22014

8. Ms. Siti Nur Laila
Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission
Jl. Latuharhary No.4-B
Jakarta 10310
INDONESIA
Tel: +62 21 392 5227-30
Fax: +62 21 392 5227
Email: info@komnas.go.id

Thank you.

Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrc.asia)