Religious extremism in Indonesia is not only limited to conflict between majority Muslims and minority Christians; but is also spreading to intra-religious sects. There have been incidences where Sunnis have attacked Shias and Ahmadiyahs. A report by the US state department notes significant number of incidents where the government instigated violation of freedom of religion. The same report also observes that the state is not able to effectively protect freedom of religion in the country. The Indonesia Survey Circle (LSI) captured these trends in its recent survey. Besides rising religious intolerance, the survey also discovered a significant rise in homophobia in Indonesia. The survey was conducted from between 1-8 October 1-8, 2012 amongst 1200 individuals from 22 provinces. This commentary presents the issue through a media survey.
Who hates who?
The survey found that the highest amount of hatred was expressed towards the homosexual community. About 80 percent of the respondents exhibited intolerance towards homosexuals. They would never want a homosexual neighbour. In 2005, about 64 per cent of respondents expressed similar opinion. Evidently, there is a rise in numbers on those who are averse to homosexuality. (‘Homophobia on the rise, survey says’, The Jakarta Post, 22 October 2012). It is unclear whether the term homosexual was used as a blanket term to include the LGBT community in general; or specifically the homosexuals only.
The sample demonstrated intolerance towards religious minorities as well. Intolerance towards people of different faiths rose by 6.9 per cent since 2005. Likewise, one finds that hatred for people of so-called deviant sects like Shias and Ahmadiya has also increased. In the recent survey, 41.8 per cent of respondents showed animosity to the Shia community, while 46.6 per cent were intolerant to the Ahmadiyahs. The figures have risen from 26.7 per cent and 39.1 per cent respectively, since 2005. There is significant opposition to inter-religious marriages as well. But in comparison, Indonesians have more repugnance towards homosexuals than religious minorities. Given a choice, they would rather have the latter as their neighbours than a homosexual. (Homophobia on the rise, survey says’, The Jakarta Post, 22 October 2012). The survey discovered that this attitude was mostly shown by less-educated men who come from lower income group. The level of intolerance was higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
Cause
Critics blame the state of governance for rising intolerance and non-acceptance of diversity in the country. They blame President Yuhoyono for not taking steps against radical groups. Only 50 per cent of the respondents were satisfied with the law enforcement. Reportedly, authorities are reluctant in punishing violent mobs. Jose Rizal Manua, an expert on culture, pointed that authorities take bribes from Sunnis and thus foster tensions. (‘Indonesia’s growing intolerance grows’, Asia Sentinel, 2012). Besides weak law enforcement, some also see the rise of radical Islam as being responsible in sharpening identities and hatred towards homosexuals, particularly. An executive of LGBT empowerment community blamed the mainstream media for reinforcing stereotypes and wrong portrayal of homosexuals. (Homophobia on the Rise, Survey says’, The Jakarta Post, 22 October 2012).
The LSI survey found that people even condone and are tolerant of violence against religious minorities. Some are also concerned with these developments as Indonesia in the past was tolerant. (‘Indonesia’s growing intolerance grows’, Asia Sentinel, 23 October 2012).
Way out
The ‘solutions’ are more concerned with addressing religious intolerance than homophobia. The editorial in Jakarta Globe shows worry over the survey findings. It questions as to why intolerance to diversity was allowed to develop and regards it as unacceptable. The editorial thinks that this phenomenon is hampering the diverse fabric of Indonesia, undermining its constitution; and people must stand against religious extremism ‘lest it destroys us’. (Fight for Intolerance starts with Education’, The Jakarta Globe, 22 October 2012). Jose sees solution in strengthening law enforcement; else it can undermine state ideology of unity in diversity. Wardah Hafizdh, a sociologist calls for open dialogue (between diverse groups) which would ‘strengthen tolerance amongst different groups’. (‘Indonesia’s growing intolerance grows’, Asia Sentinel, 23 October 2012). Novriantoni Kahar, Director of non-profit group Denny JA Foundation suggests that the government needs to improve socio-economic conditions and focus on welfare of citizens, especially those from poorer backgrounds as this section demonstrated highest intolerance. (Homophobia on the Rise, Survey says’, The Jakarta Post, 22 October 2012).
Walter Russell Mead in his blog, points to a co-relation between intolerance and violence. He analyses that rising intolerance is an indication that radical Islam is spreading in Indonesia. He also remarks that this is a ‘deep-rooted trend that presidential diplomacy cannot change overnight’. (‘Survey Confirms Islamic Intolerance on the Rise in Indonesia’, The American Interest, 22 October 2012).
Conclusion
There is no debate over the survey findings. Does it mean that there is general agreement over the seriousness of the issue, that it is a social problem that needs resolution? However, the media coverage seems superficial. The reports did not throw any new insights on the issue, nor were any novel solutions presented. Notably, society also has a crucial role in addressing social issues, but the reports placed the onus on state agencies. Moreover, there was no clear roadmap on what actions people expect from the state, or how it should protect. None of the reports, referred to in this article, carry any official statement or the government’s perspective on the issue or findings of the survey. Likewise, the reports seem to have interviewed only the elite. It would have been useful to also understand what general Indonesians think, as also the opinion of the Indonesian youth.
