Jakarta, Indonesia - The government is ready to publicize the revised ministerial decree on places of worship but Christian leaders still have reservations about the controversial law.
Religious Affairs Minister M. Maftuh Basyuni and Home Minister M. Ma'ruf signed the joint ministerial decree Tuesday, replacing the one issued in 1969.
The old decree was controversial because it required the consent of local administrations and a large number of residents living in areas to construct new houses of worship. The decree meant minority Christians in predominantly Muslim areas often had problems getting the go-ahead to build churches.
Benny Susetyo of the Indonesian Archbishops Conference (KWI), said the government's familiarization campaigns must be clear and thorough and ensure there was no space for different interpretations of the decree.
"Some existing regional regulations must be revoked and revised to be in line with the new decree," Benny said.
With the revised law, local governments can no longer escape from their obligation to provide houses of worship for religious minorities, regardless of local residents' objections.
The decree rules that new places of worship must have congregations of a minimum of 90 people. A minimum of 60 people of other faiths living in the area must also give their consent for the building. There is also a requirement to obtain building permits from local administrations and the Communication Forum for Religious Harmony (FKUB).
However, unlike in the previous decree, if locals object to places of worship but consent is granted by administrations and the FKUB, local bodies are obligated to find an alternate space for the churches.
"Article 14 stipulates that if the minimum congregation requirement is met and permits are issued, but locals' approval is not given, local administration are obliged to provide a facility for the congregation. That should be clearly stated," Benny said.
The decree also says congregations numbering less than 90 people can obtain two-year temporary permits to observe their faiths in a house of worship. Administrations must also protect and assist existing houses of worship, which have yet to obtain permits.
Weinata Sairin of the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), however, said he was dissatisfied with the decree.
The PGI had wanted minimum congregation numbers lowered to 60, with only 40 locals of other faiths needed to obtain building permission, he said.
"(However) it's not simply a matter of numbers. The freedom to worship is clearly stated in the Constitution so this decree is not actually needed. But now the most important thing is the implementation (of the decree) in the field, because people's levels of freedom, education and the quality of religious harmony varies in the regions," Weinata said.
Meanwhile, 42 legislators -- most of them Christians -- filed a petition rejecting the decree with the House of Representatives leadership.
Constan Ponggawa of the Prosperous Peace Party (PDS) said the decree had caused tension between followers of all religions in the country.
House deputy speaker Muhaimin Iskandar of the Nation Awakening Party (PKB) said the issue would be discussed in the House leadership meeting.
Muhaimin said he personally believed the government should not interfere too much in people's religious activities.
Data released by the Indonesian Committee on Religion and Peace shows that more than 1,000 churches nationwide have been destroyed or vandalized since the 1969 decree was issued because they failed to meet the strict requirements.
Maftuh said Muslim minorities also faced difficulties erecting mosques in areas where they were outnumbered.
"Hopefully, this decree can stop the conflict between religious groups, which has occurred in the past. This decree does not give room for multiple interpretations and people of low education will understand it well," he told Antara.